 Food safety in food service. Foodborne illnesses affect more than 76 million people in the United States each year. Of those affected, 325,000 are hospitalized and about 5,000 people die. Knowing the basics about food safety can help reduce the number of foodborne illnesses. Germs that cause foodborne illnesses hide in many places. Proper hygiene will help prevent germs from making you and others sick. Wearing clean clothes and regular hand washing will help prevent germs from spreading to food. Germs can be found on us and in the food we eat. The following modules will teach you the basics about food safety and help keep your customers safe.