Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network
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RESOURCES
Edited by: Mary Schroeder, M.S., R.D. & Pat Kendall, Ph.D., R.D., Colorado State - Fall 2002
National Food Safety Education Conference Now on Web
The 2nd National Conference for Food Safety Educators, Thinking Globally - Working Locally, held September 18-20 in Orlando is now history. However, the information shared at the conference is available on the web at www.fsis.usda.gov/Orlando2002/. Included are streaming videos from the plenary sessions and copies of slides used for many of the different sessions, as actual PowerPoint slides and in pdf and text format. In addition, you can request a free copy of the conference proceedings through fsis.outreach@usda.gov. The conference, jointly sponsored FSIS, CSREES, CDC and FDA in cooperation with the Partnership for Food Safety Education was upbeat and well received by those in attendance. It's well worth your time to check out the conference website.
Distance Learning-Online Courses and Curriculums
The USDA Foodborne Illness Education Information Center provides a listing of selected food safety distance learning programs and online courses. Training and education can now be delivered via the World Wide Web, through company intranet, on CD-ROMs, and by satellites. Virtual conferencing has become more and more popular. For a listing of selected food safety programs offered outside the traditional classroom setting, check out the following website: www.nal.usda.gov/foodborne/fbindex/032.htm.
4 Ways to Make Safer Food Selections (FDA Brochure)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition provide a brochure which targets helping consumers make informed decisions when eating out. This FDA Model Brochure was developed to help assist the food retail industry with the implementation of the Consumer Advisory Provision of the FDA Food Code. The intent of the Consumer Advisory provision of the Food Code is to assure that all consumers are informed about the increased risk to especially vulnerable populations of eating raw or undercooked animal foods. The three page brochure covers topics such as; be aware of raw or undercooked foods, ask about preparation, request that food be thoroughly cooked, and make a different choice when your request may be impossible to accommodate. The brochure also includes a chart of who's at risk, risky foods, and cause of illness. The brochure can be accessed at: www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsrawhaz.html
USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline
1-800-535-4555
As the holiday season approaches, remember the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline as a resource available to consumers. The Hotline is staffed by food safety specialists with backgrounds in home economics, nutrition, and food technology. Consumers can speak to a food safety specialist in either English or Spanish, from 10am to 4pm Eastern time on weekdays year round. Recorded food safety messages may be heard 24 hours a day. The Hotline is closed on Federal government holidays, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day. Hours of operation on Thanksgiving Day are 8am to 2pm, Eastern Time. The toll-free number for the hearing impaired (TTY) is 1-800-256-7072.
FSIS Seasonal Features-Fall, Winter and Holiday Resources
The Food Safety and Inspection Service of the USDA features a website which offers food safety education resources by season and holiday. November and December offer the usual "turkey" selections as well as information about mailing foods safely, cooking for groups, and roasting "other" holiday meats. Several of the articles are available in Spanish as well as English. To access the articles check out the following website: www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/pubs/hotpacks.htm
Spanish: Cooking for Groups-A Volunteer's Guide
Whether preparing food for a family reunion or a community gathering, people who are great cooks at home don't necessarily know how to safely prepare and store large quantities of food for large groups. For this reason, USDA's FSIS' Food Safety Education Staff has developed "Cooking for Groups. A Volunteer's Guide to Food Safety." This colorful, 40 page "Guide" will take consumers through the steps necessary to prepare and serve food for a safe and successful event. This guide is now available in Spanish as well as English. The FSIS has also developed a 12-minute Video News Release (VNR) as part of the educational package. Information about this educational package as well as the VNR can be found on the FSIS Web site: www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/pubs/cfg/cfg.htm
