These days of ever more wily bacteria and viruses call for extra vigilance in the kitchen. To make sure your guests don't wake up remembering your dinner none too fondly in the middle of the night (or worse), take a few precautions. Chief among them is it avoid cross contamination. That's when cooked or ready-to-eat foods pick up bacteria from other foods, hands, cutting boards, knives or other utensils. Remember to thoroughly wash your hands, cutting boards and counter surfaces with warm, soapy water after coming into contact with raw foods, especially raw meats, poultry and fish.