FOOD SAFETY CONCERNS YOU!

Everyone shops for, prepares, and eats food. That's why it's so important to follow the basics of food safety.

In every step of the food production process, food safety experts are working to keep our food safe on the farm... through the processing plant... during transportation... and at the supermarket and restaurant. Once you take food home from the supermarket
and restaurant, you also have an important role to play.

Food poisoning can affect anyone at any time, but certain people are more likely to get sick from contaminated food. And once they’re sick, they face the risk of serious health problems, even death. Those with increased risk of food poisoning include: pregnant women, young children, people with chronic illnesses and weakened immune systems, and older people. Underlying illnesses such as diabetes, some cancer treatments, and kidney disease may increase a person’s risk of food poisioning as well.

To fight microorganisims that cause food-borne illness, just follow these 4 Fight BAC!™ Steps to Food Safety (also known as the 4 Cs of Food Safety):

• Clean
• Cook
• Separate (Combat Cross-Contamination)
• Chill
  

Encourage your family and friends to be "BAC fighters," too! Welcome to the wonderful world of the 4 Cs!

Resources:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center
for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition - National Science
and Teachers Association.