How to Minimize Your Risk Of Contracting a Foodborne Illness

Until major changes and reforms take place, consumers must bear a large burden when it comes to providing safe food for themselves and their loved ones. The food safety system has many holes, and until these holes are patched by government or industry, no individual or family can keep themselves completely safe from foodborne disease. Since microbial contamination cannot be detected by sight or smell, is easily transmissible through unintended cross-contamination, and is allowed to be present on many foods that cannot be washed completely (including foods likely to be consumed raw), consumers continue to run the risk of contracting an unwanted foodborne illness despite practicing recommended handling methods.

Still, until needed reforms take place, there are steps that individuals and families can take to stay safer. S.T.O.P. has developed educational pieces that help people understand and practice safer food handling techniques, which are available below.

• Cook Your Meat Thoroughly
• Use Careful Hygiene
• Baby Brochure
• BE SAFE - Back to school checklist (pdf)
• Pregnancy Sheet
• Let's Talk Turkey (holiday fact sheet)
• Savor the Season (holiday fact sheet - pdf)
• Frequently Asked Questions