According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are an estimated 76 million cases of foodborne illness reported in the US each year, resulting in 350,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. Everyone can do their part to help ensure the safety of our food supply. This page will provide resources on foodborne illness, food safety practices, the regulatory system in place to keep food safe in the US and other food safety resources.
NOTE: In May 2011, the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service updated its recommendation for safely cooking pork, steaks, roasts and chops. The USDA FSIS now recommends that whole cuts of meat are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F, as measured by a food thermometer placed in the thickest part of the meat, and then allowing the meat to rest for three (3) minutes before carving or consuming. This change does not apply to ground meats, including ground beef, veal, lamb, and pork, which should be cooked to 160 °F and do not require a rest time.
A Consumer's Guide to Food Safety Risks
The United States provides one of the safest food supplies in the world. With the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the food, beverage and agricultural industries working together, our food supply is becoming even safer. However, despite all of these safety factors, microorganisms may still exist at levels that present risks to consumers.
Ensuring A Safe Food Supply: A Concise Guide to the U.S. Food Regulatory System
This easy-to-use guide provides information about the main federal agencies with food regulatory responsibility, including FDA, USDA and EPA, and outlines each one's role in food safety regulation.
Background on Food Safety and Defense
One of the most thorough and effective food safety and defense systems in the world is the U.S. government, which performs the following chief functions: Establishment of Safety Standards, Monitoring and Inspection, Enforcement Tracking Food Safety Problems, Protecting the Food Supply and Federal Regulation.
Be Food Safe with Win
For tips on how to follow tfood safety precautions when preparing a meal for your family, please check out “Be Food Safe with Win: a Featurette on Food Safety.” This short video tracks Win as she prepares a meal for her family and highlights the four key components to Be Food Safe.
From Farm to Fork: What the Experts Say About Modern Food Production
A growing interest by consumers in “fresh”, “whole”, “organic”, and “natural” foods, as well as in food production practices that are less harmful to the environment, is changing the way Americans look at food and make food choices. Conversely, foods that are “processed” have been criticized in the media, and some opinion leaders have advised consumers to limit or avoid these foods.
From Farm to Fork: Questions and Answers About Modern Food Production
The following Q & A provides a brief glimpse into some of the most common questions about modern food technology and its impact on food safety, nutrition, health, and the environment.
Food Irradiation: A Global Food Safety Tool
There are a number of food processing tools available that provide additional protection for the foods we consume. One very promising tool is food irradiation, which is a process of imparting ionizing energy to food to kill microorganisms. Sometimes it is referred to as “electronic pasteurization” where electricity is used or as “cold pasteurization” as an insignificant amount of heat occurs in the treated food.
Consumer Attitudes toward Food Safety
2008 Food & Health Survey: Consumer Attitudes toward Food, Nutrition & Health
The IFIC Foundation Food & Health Survey provides ongoing insights into the many disconnects Americans have between the food they eat and their health. The initial wave of this survey was conducted in 2006 and acts as a benchmark study, with the 2007 and 2008 Food & Health Surveys serving as the follow-up, trending surveys.
2009 Food & Health Survey: Consumer Attitudes toward Food, Nutrition & Health
The 2009 Food & Health Survey: Consumer Attitudes toward Food, Nutrition, & Health, conducted by the International Food Information Council Foundation, is the fourth annual, nationally representative, quantitative study designed to gain insights from consumers on various food safety, nutrition, and health-related topics.
2010 Food & Health Survey: Consumer Attitudes Toward Food Safety, Nutrition & Health
The 2010 Food & Health Survey: Consumer Attitudes Toward Food Safety, Nutrition & Health, commissioned by the International Food Information Council Foundation, is the fifth annual national quantitative study designed to gain insights from consumers on important food safety, nutrition, and health-related topics.
Food Safety Labeling Claims Study
The International Food Information Council asked consumers their food safety practices and the impact labeling of certain foodborne pathogens has on their cooking and purchasing habits.
Food Safety for At Risk Populations
Healthy Aging and Food Safety
Healthy Eating During Pregnancy
With so much information on how food can affect your health, it may seem confusing at times to know what to eat. Still, the relationship between diet and health is very important. It is even more important during pregnancy since good nutrition and safe food handling play a key role in the health of both the mother and baby.
Listeriosis and Pregnancy: What is Your Risk?
When you're expecting, it's natural to be concerned about your health and that of your unborn baby. Maintaining a healthful diet, drinking plenty of liquids, and taking prenatal vitamins are all important for the health of the expectant mother and her baby. Food safety is also very important. This information will help you make safe decisions when selecting and preparing food for yourself and/or your family.
Other Food Safety Resources
International Food Issues and Resources
Nutrition and food safety are two vitally important issues that affect all of the world’s people. Many countries throughout the world are increasingly interdependent on the availability of their food supply and on its safety. As a result, communications about these issues are becoming truly global.
The Partnership for Food Safety Education
The Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE) was formed in 1997 as a response to an independent panel report, "Putting the Food Handling Issue on the Table: The Pressing Need for Food Safety Education," which called for a public-private partnership to educate the public about safe food handling and preparation.The Partnership for Food Safety Education is committed to educating consumers on the four simple practices they can use to fight foodborne bacteria (BAC!) and reduce their risk of becoming sick.
FoodSafety.Gov: Your Gateway to Federal Food Safety Information
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service
U.S. Food and Drug Administration