We’ve heard that rumors persist that you can contract the swine flu from eating pork. That’s not true, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. But it's important to cook pork to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, which kills any viruses or bacteria. Pork may carry the Salmonella bacteria, which causes food poisoning, or the Trichinella worm, which causes trichinosis.

Also, remember to wash your hands after handling raw pork to clean off any pathogens that might spread disease.

—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor

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