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RESOURCES
FSIS Launches Food Safety Education Video-Casts in American Sign Language
On June 26, 2008, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a news release announcing it has launched a series of video-casts translated into American Sign Language (ASL) designed to inform deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers about foodborne illness and raise the level of awareness of the dangers associated with improper handling and undercooking of food. FSIS is the first agency within the Department of Agriculture to provide this type of service to consumers.
To read this new release in its entirety, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_062608_01/index.asp .
To view the sign videos directly, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/SignFSIS/index.asp .
Food Allergy Awareness and Training for Restaurant Employees
In recognition of the National Food Safety Education Month this September, restaurant and foodservice professionals are urged to participate using this year's theme "Take Action to Prevent an Allergic Reaction." A series of 5 downloadable training posters to teach concepts to food workers include these topics: the six most common allergens, communicating with the customer, preventing allergic reaction, symptoms of allergic reactions and what to do when a mistake happens. For additional information, visit The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Web site at: http://www.servsafe.com/nfsem/.
R-U- Sick-2? Foodborne Illness Reporting Site
Michigan State University, with support from Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan Department of Agriculture, and the National Food Safety & Toxicology Center, hosts a website accessible via ReportFoodPoisoning.com or, the more descriptive link, https://rusick2.msu.edu/. A victim of foodborne illness can log on and report details of their illness, such as symptoms, date of onset, recent non-food exposures, and a four-day food history. This information can be used by health departments to identify outbreaks and possibly prevent others from getting sick. There is no cost and it is set up to help you recall recently consumed food items. Consent is required before data is shared with local health departments. If you would like to test this website, go to https://rusick2.msu.edu/, click "Begin new Report Here" and enter "Testing Only" as your home state and city of residence.
Tips for Traveling Abroad
A new fact sheet is available on the FDA Consumer Health Information webpage to help consumers stay healthy when traveling abroad. Topics covered include everything from medications, altitude considerations, and mosquito-borne diseases to safely choosing foods and beverages. To download, go to http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/travel_health062308.pdf. Persons also interested in receiving regular consumer updates can sign up for free email subscriptions at www.fda.gov/consumer/consumerenews.html.
New Consumer Food Safety Video Clips
The IFIC Foundation has created a series of 5 minute videos to help consumers know when food has gone bad and is no longer safe to eat. The videos feature Christine Bruhn, PhD, Director, Center for Food Safety Research at the University of California, Davis, CA. In the videos, Dr. Bruhn provides practical and visual information to help determine when foods such as bread, dairy products, leftovers, and even pantry items have gone bad. By following the recommended consumer guidelines as well as remembering to wash, cook, separate, and chill, consumers will have the tools to help reduce the risk of all unwanted foodborne illness. To view the clips, go to http://www.ific.org/videos/askanexpert/bruhn.cfm.
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