Food safety facts and food safety research are vital to the livelihood of any respectable food handling establishment. From restaurants to delis to grocery stores and more, a wide variety of businesses handle and prepare food for consumers. Even large corporations have cafeterias for their employees, and large institutions like schools, colleges and hospitals also involve food preparation in their day-to-day activities.

Being knowledgeable about food safety information is critical to avoiding any foodborne illnesses that may negatively affect your business or food service organization. One illness could spell disaster in terms of PR, and word can spread quickly.

To stay on top of food safety information:

1. Read up on the latest food safety facts and food safety information.

2. Implement recommendations from food safety research and tips.

3. Set guidelines and share food safety information with your employees. Also make sure that there are repercussions for disregard of policy.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for basic food safety information with ease

You can find a wide variety of U.S. and international food safety information and resources easily. Information on food safety from hand washing to foodborne illnesses and more is readily available for you, your business and your home.

I recommend: Find out more about food safety internationally through the World Health Organization (WHO). Find information on online food safety courses, food processing resources and food safety workshops through NC State University College of Life Science and Agriculture. Learn about foodborne illnesses through fightbac.org part of the Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE). Follow the food safety tips from the American Dietetic Association.

Look for additional food safety information by checking out government resources

Find food safety research and food safety information from U.S. government sources.

I recommend: Check out the food safety alerts from FoodSafety.gov. There you can also find consumer advice, industry assistance, report an illness, turn in product complaints and find out about national food safety programs. Find out more about food safety from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Take advantage of the general information and the specific topics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Look at more information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Find food safety and testing information resources from industry publications

Find up to date and pertinent food testing reference information from an up-to-date food safety guide, food safety facts sheet, journal or magazine.

I recommend: Consider purchasing the food safety reference publications from The Center for Food Safety. Find pdf versions of food safety resources from The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has a wonderful chart of food safety publications for businesses. Check out the current issue of Food Safety Magazine.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Posting food safety research in your place of business is a great motivator in keeping up hygiene standards. Signs about washing hands are also of significant importance as well.