February 05, 2004

By: Natasha Amin
Website: http://www.1st-in-kitchens.com

Simple Ways To Promote Kitchen and Food Safety

September is National Food Safety Education Month, an annual observance to draw attention to the importance of safe food handling and preparation. To raise awareness and help reduce the 76 million cases of foodborne illness that occur each year in the United States, the Water Quality & Health Council and the National Consumers League are providing simple food safety tips for consumers to use in their homes.

The U.S. food supply is one of the safest in the world, yet the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 300,000 people are hospitalized and 5,000 Americans die from foodborne illness each year. Joan Rose, chair of the Water Quality & Health Council, stated, The threat of contracting illnesses from foodborne pathogens is very real in home kitchens and wherever food is prepared. Consumers need to exercise caution and take diligent steps to prevent such dangerous illnesses as E.coli and Salmonella.

According to the CDC, over 200 known diseases are transmitted through food. Symptoms of foodborne illness range from mild diarrhea or vomiting to life-threatening disorders.

If consumers were more aware of precautions they could take in their own kitchens to reduce exposure to disease-causing organisms, many cases of foodborne illness could be prevented. Linda Golodner, president of the National Consumers League, noted, Consumers should cook foods thoroughly (until juices run clear in meats and poultry), never eat uncooked or unpasteurized eggs, and refrigerate leftovers promptly. To kill germs, always wash your hands and cooking surfaces with disinfectants and frequently soak sponges, dishcloths, and dish towels in a chlorine bleach solution.

These and other tips are attached to this release as a pdf file. Media may quote from these tips individually or print the tips sheet in its entirety.

About The Author:

Natasha Amin is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-kitchens.com.  Everything for your kitchen to make it look great and make cooking a whole lot easier.