The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state of Michigan
kicked off a campaign Monday that aims to help consumers
prevent food-borne illnesses during food preparation, according
to a USDA news release.
USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service and Michigan State
University's National Food Safety and Toxicology Center
are encouraging the use of food thermometers during meat
and poultry preparation.
The campaign, called "Is it DONE yet?" hopes to prevent
contamination from pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7.
"Consumer awareness of basic food safety principles, especially
using a food thermometer for checking meat, poultry and
seafood as it cooks, can reduce the number of food-borne
illnesses significantly," said USDA Under Secretary for
Food Safety Dr. Elsa Murano.
The campaign says food thermometers also help ensure proper
cooking lengths for optimal taste.
"We are very fortunate to have formed a partnership with
FSIS that aims to increase food thermometer use," said Trent
Wakenight, Michigan State's campaign organizer. "A large
number of the estimated 76 million cases of food-borne illnesses
per year are preventable."
For more information, visit the campaign's website (Click
Here).
|
