September is National Food Safety Education Month

WASHINGTON – This month take an active role in preventing foodborne illness, also known as “food poisoning.” The Federal government estimates that there are about 48 million cases of foodborne illness annually – that’s about 1 in 6 Americans each year. Each year, these illnesses result in an estimated 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Following simple food safety tips can help lower your chance of getting sick.

FDA has resources to help encourage you and your community to put food safety first.

• Safe Food Handling – Follow these four key steps to food safety.
• Food Safety in Your Kitchen – Get tips for food safe shopping, storage, and meal prep.
• People at Risk of Foodborne Illness – Learn what groups are more at risk for foodborne illnesses.
• Food Safety for Pregnant Women ­– Find food safety information for before, during, and after pregnancy.
• Everyday Food Safety for Young Adults – Learn about food safety whether you’re cooking at home, dining out, or eating ready-made meals on the go.
• Education Resource Library – Find printable educational materials, videos, and more!
• Continuing Medical Education Program – Learn how to identify, treat, and report foodborne illness.
• Science and Our Food Supply – Bring food science into your middle and high school classrooms.
• Consumer Food Safety Educator Evaluation Toolbox and Guide – Get tips, tools, and examples to plan, develop, and evaluate food safety programs and activities.

Visit https://www.foodsafety.gov/ for additional information.