Food Safety & Quality

Need food safety certification?  We can help!

The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification program is offered on a monthly basis here at the Manatee County Extension office.  For more information, please call us at (941)722-4524 or log on to the Food Safety and Quality web site.

Foodborne Illness

Foodborne illness - commonly known as "food poisoning" - is a continuing concern in the United States.  Over 75 million cases of foodborne illness occur each year in this country, and the U.S. has one of the cleanest food supplies in the world!  Bacteria and viruses are the two leading causes of foodborne illness - tiny organisms that can't be seen without a microscope but can cause BIG problems for you.

But there is something you can do to minimize your risk.  By following these four principles, you can Fight BAC! and keep your food safe.

View fact sheets from the USDA

1. CLEAN: By keeping hands, utensils, and cutting boards clean, bacteria and viruses have no place to hide!
2. SEPARATE: Don't cross-contaminate!  Keep raw foods away from cooked foods.
3. COOK: Always cook foods to the proper internal temperature.
4. CHILL: Keep cold foods cold (below 41°F) and NEVER leave leftovers sitting out longer than two hours.

For more food safety information over the phone, please call:

The USDA's Meat & Poultry Hotline
1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854)

FDA's Food Safety Information Hotline
1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366)

 

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