Food Safety

Consuming food is an essential part of an individuals health and well-being; however, that same
act may also be the cause of a foodborne illness caused by a wide variety of microorganisms.
Food-borne illnesses are a significant food safety concern because these illnesses can have
serious and damaging effects, including death; therefore, food must be protected from potential
contamination when stored, prepared, displayed, served and transported. Taking appropriate
precautions for food handling and preparation can significantly reduce an individuals risk of
contracting a food-borne illness.
Resources
The Basics for Handling Food Safely Fact Sheet
Provided by the United States Department of Agriculture
Link: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-
safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/basics-for-handling-food-safely/ct_index
This fact sheet provides easy to understand and follow directions and guidelines for safe food
handling, preparing, cooking, serving, storing, freezing, thawing and refreezing. This
information is extremely important because the potential of food borne illnesses can be
significantly reduced and even eliminated by closely following these recommendations.
Questions and Answers about Food Borne Diseases
Provided by the World Health Organization
Link: http://www.who.int/foodsafety/foodborne_disease/QAs.pdf
This informational article provides the reader with reliable and easy to understand information
about food borne diseases; what they are, how they occur and why they are a threat to public
health.





Organic Foods
The term organic refers to the way farmers grow, handle and process agricultural products;
organic farmers rely on ecosystem management and use pesticides and fertilizers that are derived
from plants, animal wastes and minerals. Maintaining diversity in crops and animals is an
important part of organic farming. Tips for buying organics include choosing fruits and vegetable
that are currently in season, looking for the USDA organic labels to ensure the food is truly
organic and read the food labels carefully before deciding.
Resources
Organic Foods: Are They Safer? More Nutritious?
Provided by the Mayo Clinic
Link: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/organic-
food/art-20043880
This article provides useful and easy to understand definitions of what the term organic means
and discusses in detail how the consumer can be sure that they are purchasing and consuming
food products that are truly organic.
Farmers Market Website
Provided by the Local Harvest Organization
Link: http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/
This useful website enables the user to easily look up Farmers Markets that are located within
his or her local area. Being able to purchase food products from local farmers can enable an
individual to improve his or her health through consuming more organic products; this also aids
in supporting the farmers within the individuals local community.





Weight Management
Many adults and children in the United States are overweight or obese increasing their risk of
developing many chronic diseases like type II diabetes. Properly managing body weight can
enable an individual to alleviate most of the symptoms and health risks associated with obesity
and prevent developing a chronic disease.
Resources
Weight Management Information Website
Provided by Nutrition.gov
Link: http://www.nutrition.gov/weight-management
This user friendly website contains several links that provide educational information regarding
various topics associated with weight management. These topics include popular diets, physical
activity, measuring personal body mass index (BMI) and weight management for special groups
such as the youth.
What are Overweight and Obesity Fact Sheet?
Provided by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Link: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/obe/printall-index.html
This fact sheet provides the reader with credible and easy to understand information regarding
what the definition of overweight and obesity is and how it is medically diagnosed, what the
causes are and who is most at risk and how it can be treated through making lifestyle changes.