September is food safety education month and there are many resources to help everyone take steps to keep food safe and healthy. In the U.S. each year, there are an estimated 48 million cases of foodborne illness – that’s about 1 in 6 Americans each year. Each year, these illnesses result in an estimated 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Many of us know people who have gotten sick from food. This year, perhaps more than any other, it’s important to stop preventable illnesses like food poisoning. Following simple food safety tips can help lower your chance of getting sick.
National Food Safety Education Month Resources
The 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.
Social Media Resources
Help spread the word about the importance of food safety! If you use social media, consider these Facebook messages to show your support for Food Safety Education Month and to encourage your community to keep food safe.
Sample Facebook posts and Q&A to share with followers
Think food poisoning is just a little upset tummy and will pass? Not always. Sometimes foodborne illness is serious and even life threatening. Check out the FDA’s short video stories from 3 people that speak from experience! https://go.usa.gov/xV2ry National Food Safety Education Month
And what about the answers to some tough food safety questions. You wash apples, tomatoes, and strawberries before you eat them, but what about cantaloupes, avocados, and kiwi? https://go.usa.gov/xVT3t Hint: the answer is YES. #NFSEM
No yolking around! Storing eggs on the fridge door can expose them to uneven temperatures. Here’s where you should store them instead: https://go.usa.gov/xVT3G #NFSEM #FoodSafety
When you’re cooking, you can’t tell if it done just by looking. Use a food thermometer to make sure it’s safe to eat. https://go.usa.gov/xVT3d #NFSEM
Keep your cool – especially when it comes to grocery, leftovers, & food delivery items. Your fridge should be 40°F or less, the freezer 0°F or less. https://go.usa.gov/xVT3A #NFSEM
Stay well and food-safe.
