Monday November 25, 2002

Food Safety

The approach of Thanksgiving Day is an appropriate time for all of us to refresh ourselves on the prevention of foodborne illness. By following safe practices in the handling, cooking, and storing of food, we can go a long way toward ensuring a healthy and pleasant holiday season for our families and guests. Bone-up on this topic at the following web sites.

Centers for Disease Control, Food Safety Office

A gateway to food safety information presented by the U.S. Government
Outlines the four steps to food safety
Lists and describes foodborne diseases, pathogens and toxins
Features a section "Cooking for Groups: A Volunteer's Guide to Food Safety"
http://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/nfsem.htm

Food Safety A to Z Reference Guide

A joint initiative from the U.S. FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, and the National Science Teachers Association
Describes the journey food travels from farm-to-table and the measures taken to protect the food supply
Provides a teacher's guide for food safety instruction, including experiments and activities
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/a2z-toc.html

Can Your Kitchen Pass the Food Safety Test?

A guide to safe food practices from the U.S. FDA
Take the food safety quiz to find how well you're doing at keeping a food-safe kitchen
http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fdkitchn.html

Are Bioengineered Foods Safe?

A discussion on bioegineered foods presented by the U.S. FDA
Explains the topic, discusses some controversial issues, and addresses consumer safety concerns
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fdbioeng.html

Food Irradiation

Facts from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Explains food irradiation, describes the process, and answers common consumer questions
http://www.epa.gov/radiation/sources/food_irrad.htm

To Your Health! Food Safety for Seniors

Advice for older persons on avoiding food-related illness
Lists particular foods to be avoided by seniors and other special-risk populations
Provides "doggie bag" guidelines for restaurant leftovers
http://www.foodsafety.gov/~fsg/sr2.html

KidsHealth for Parents

A message for parents from the Nemours Foundation about food safety for the family
Offers tips on shopping, handling, preparing, and storing food
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/food_safety.html

USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline

Access this hotline by phone toll-free at 1-800-535-4555 of by e-mail to talk with an expert
Get answers to questions about the safe storage, handling, and preparation of meat, poultry, and egg products
The hotline is open on Thanksgiving Day from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/mph/index.htm

This page © 2003 NAHEC

This page last modified: 02/14/03