Food Safety: What You Need To Know About

The U.S. Government estimates that nearly 9,000 deaths occur each year due to the consumption of contaminated or unclean food. An additional 80 million Americans experience some type of foodborne illness every year.

For people diagnosed with a serious illness, and particularly for individuals with a compromised immune system (transplant recipients, people with HIV, diabetics, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, etc.) food safety becomes critically important for avoiding unnecessary foodborne illness.

The bacteria that cause food poisoning are difficult to detect by a food's appearance, taste or smell, but whether eating at home or eating out, there are simple steps you can take to "eat defensively" and avoid getting sick.

Our guidelines are based on recommendations of the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). See:

• Guidelines For The Safe Handling, Cooking And Storage Of Food
• Guidelines For The Safe Purchase Of Food
• How To Eat Out Safely
• Drinking Water Safety.

NOTE:

• If you have questions, experts are available to answer questions on line for free at www.FoodSafety.gov
• For information about food assistance and delivery of meals at home, click here.