URL: http://www.foodrisk.umd.edu/consumer_info/general.cfm

General Food Safety Sites

This page includes links to consumer information about food safety in general and about specific food safety topics other than dietary supplements, health, nutrition, weight management, educational materials, or recall information.

Format	Author(s)	Title / Description	Date added	Details
	The Produce Traceability Initiative	The Produce Traceability Initiative This website is an online resource to aid produce companies in the transition to new traceability measures proposed by the joint Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI). PTI is designed to help the industry maximize the effectiveness of current traceback procedures, while developing a standardized industry approach to enhance the speed and efficiency of traceability systems for the future. (more) Publication Date: Monday, February 9, 2009	Feb 11, 2009
	Food Safety Network	Food Safety Network The Food Safety Network (FSN) is a Canadian center for information and research on food safety issues. The FSN provides a bilingual service using current food safety knowledge to help consumers and health professionals make decisions. Included are various fact sheets and information pertaining to Food Production, Food Risks, Food and Health, and Food Preparation. (more)	Jan 22, 2009
	Gilbert, RJ; de Louvois, J; Donovan, T; Little, C; Nye, K; Ribeiro, CD; Richards, J; Roberts, D; Bolton, FJ	Guidelines for the microbiological quality of some ready-to-eat foods sampled at point of sale These guidelines for the microbiological quality of ready-to-eat foods represent a revision and expansion of guidelines first published by the PHLS in September 1992 and revised in March 1996. The latest guidelines incorporate many of the constructive comments received from food examiners and other microbiologists within and outside the PHLS and from environmental health officers throughout the United Kingdom. This document reviews the changes and the reasons they were made and sets out the new guidelines. It also clarifies the role of food examiners in interpreting the microbiological results of formal samples. (more) Publication Year: 2003	Jan 22, 2009
	United Kingdom Food Standards Agency	Draft Food Labelling (Declaration of Allergens) (England) Regulations 2008 The Food Standards Agency seeks views on the the draft Food Labelling (Declaration of Allergens) (England) Regulations 2008. Separate but parallel legislation will be made in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The same consultation in Scotland is on another webpage. (more) Deadline: Friday, March 14, 2008 Publication Date: Monday, February 4, 2008	Feb 18, 2008
	United Kingdom Food Standards Agency	Proposal for a New Regulation on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers The European Commission has published a proposal on the provision of information to consumers when they buy food, and the Agency has now issued a consultation document on the proposals. The same consultation in Scotland is on another webpage. (more) Deadline: Friday, May 2, 2008 Publication Date: Thursday, February 14, 2008	Feb 17, 2008
	Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture	Small Plant News This newsletter is written for small and very small federal and state-inspected establishment owners and operators who produce meat, poultry and egg products. Get help, in plain language, translating FSIS rules and regulations into daily operational practices. (more) Publication Date: Monday, February 4, 2008	Feb 13, 2008
	Singletary, Linda B., et al.	Small Plant News (Volume 1, Number 3) This newsletter is written for small and very small federal and state-inspected establishment owners and operators who produce meat, poultry and egg products. Content of this issue includes 'Assistance Available to Small Plants in Rural Areas', 'Food Safety Resources', 'Food Defense Plan: Why It's Essential', and more. (more) Publication Date: Monday, February 4, 2008	Feb 8, 2008
	Nord, Mark; Prell, Mark	Struggling To Feed the Family: What Does It Mean To Be Food Insecure? Feature article subtitled, "Food insecurity statistics shed light on hardships households face in meeting their food needs". (more) Publication Month: June 2007	Aug 1, 2007
	Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture	Be Food Safe The Be Food Safe campaign is designed to educate consumers about preventing foodborne illness through the four easy lessons of Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill. Food Safety and Nutrition go hand-in-hand. Consumer education materials included with posters, brochures, and activity books. (more)	Jul 27, 2007
	Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture	Barbecue and Food Safety This web page gives you some simple guidelines for grilling food safely.	Jul 27, 2007
	Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration	Fresh and Frozen Seafood: Selecting and Serving it Safely Information for consumers on shopping for, storing, preparing, and serving fresh and frozen seafood, including special health notes for pregnant women and other susceptible groups. (more) Deadline: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 Publication Month: August 2006	Aug 15, 2006
	Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General, European Commission	Food Hygiene & Safety Online magazine explaining the Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection's new rules for the hygiene of foodstuffs, available in 20 languages. (more) Deadline: Saturday, July 1, 2006 Publication Date: Monday, June 26, 2006	Jul 1, 2006
	Sheehan, John F.	On the Safety of Raw Milk (With a Word About Pasteurization) Presentation slides concerning the safety of unpasteurized milk and dairy products. Describes risks related to Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Listeria monocytogenes and outlines common myths related to pasterurization. (more) Deadline: Thursday, May 25, 2006 Publication Date: Friday, May 12, 2006	May 25, 2006
	Office of Food Safety, Defense, and Outreach, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration	Preventing Listeriosis in Pregnant Hispanic Women in the U.S. "Community Educator's Guide To A Serious Foodborne Risk," including a Q&A, Consumer Brochure, Community Flyer, and more. Available in both English and Spanish. (more) Deadline: Wednesday, May 17, 2006 Publication Month: January 2006	May 17, 2006
	Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration	Safe Handling of Raw Produce and Fresh-Squeezed Fruit and Vegetable Juices Consumer tips on buying, storing, and preparing produce and fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Includes a Q&A section. Deadline: Wednesday, May 3, 2006 Publication Date: Thursday, November 3, 2005	May 3, 2006
	National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods	Response to the Questions Posed by FSIS Regarding Consumer Guidelines for the Safe Cooking of Poultry Products Draft document adopted on March 24, 2006 presenting "guidelines for consumers for the safe cooking of poultry products." The report responds to questions posed to the NACMCF by USDA and FSIS and makes several recommendations, including a minimum internal temperature requirement for the preparation of poultry products. (more) Deadline: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Publication Date: Friday, March 24, 2006	Mar 29, 2006
	Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration	Advice to Consumers: Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 Questions and Answers Questions and answers on the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, including questions on changes to food labels, gluten, and advice for consumers with food allergy. (more) Deadline: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 Publication Date: Monday, December 12, 2005	Dec 14, 2005
	New Zealand Food Safety Authority	What's Really In Your Food The NZFSA prepared this information for consumers in response to recent "flawed" newspaper articles on food safety. Publication Month: January 2005	Jan 26, 2005
	Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations	Safety Concerns as a Result of Fish Consumption in the Tsunami Affected Regions Memo regarding the generally false rumors that fish in the areas hit by the recent tsunami are unsafe to eat. It is noted, however, that damage to water utilities could potentially cause contamination of fishing areas. A press release version of the memo, with additional links, can be found here. (more) Publication Date: Friday, January 14, 2005	Jan 18, 2005
	U.S. Department of Agriculture	Nutrition.gov: Smart Nutrition Starts Here Portal to resources on nutrition, food composition, weight control, food safety, dietary supplements, food allergy, and other subjects for consumers, healthcare workers, and researchers. (more)	Jan 5, 2005
	United Kingdom Food Standards Agency	Eatwell Website for consumers on such topics as food safety, food labels, nutrition, obesity and healthy weight, other health issues, and more. (more)	Oct 28, 2004
	British Nutrition Foundation	British Nutrition Foundation Charitable organization that promotes nutritional wellbeing. The website includes consumer information, educational materials, news and media information, events, publications, information on their projects, and more. (more)	Oct 15, 2004
	Cutter, Catherine N.	Proper Care and Handling of Venison From Field to Table Guidelines for hunters on safely handling, processing, and preparing deer.	Oct 1, 2004
	Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture	Food Security & Emergency Preparedness This page links to consumer and industry information and guidelines, news, policy documents, and other resources related to food security and food safety in emergencies, including weather-related emergencies. (more)	Aug 23, 2004
	European Food Information Council	Coolfood This website provides nutrition and food safety information and learning activities for kids and adolescents.	Aug 17, 2004
	Ministerium für Ernährung und Ländlichen … Württemberg	Acrylamid in Lebensmitteln [in German] This page provides background information on acrylamide in foods and links to data on acrylamide occurrence in foods, consumer information, and more. (more)	Aug 16, 2004
	Aid Infodienst/German Centre for Documentation and Information in Agriculture, German Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture	Was wir essen Foren - Acrylamid [in German] Forum for consumer questions and answers from experts regarding acrylamide.	Aug 11, 2004
	American Dietetic Association/ConAgra Foods Foundation	Home Food Safety . . . It's In Your Hands Website to educate consumers about home food safety. Includes tips, FAQs, a glossary, information for kids, materials in Spanish, media information, and more. (more)	Aug 5, 2004
	American Meat Institute	MEATSAFETY.org This website provides information for consumers regarding meat safety, including information on such topics as safe handling, inspection, hot topics, and more. (more)	Jul 26, 2004
	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention	Lead This page links to resources on lead for consumers and professionals, including fact sheets, toxicological information, and more. (more)	Jul 22, 2004
	University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County	FOOD: Safety, Nutrition, Preparation: "Helping Every Time You Eat" This website, aimed at consumers and educators, provides information and resources on food safety, nutrition, and weight management. (more)	Jun 1, 2004
	Office of Plant and Dairy Foods, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration	Questions and Answers on the Occurrence of Furan in Food Questions and answers regarding furan in foods and FDA's activities regarding furan in foods. Publication Date: Friday, May 7, 2004	May 10, 2004
	Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration	Questions and Answers on Avian Influenza ("Bird Flu") and Food Safety Questions and answers regarding avian influenza and eggs and poultry products. Publication Date: Tuesday, November 29, 2005	May 3, 2004
	Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture	Ask Karen This web page allows you to ask questions of Karen, the "FSIS Virtual Representative," regarding ways to prevent foodborne illness, including how to safely store, handle, and prepare meat, poultry, and egg products. (more)	Apr 22, 2004
	Food and Drug Administration	FDA Statement on Lead Contamination in Certain Candy Products Imported from Mexico Statement regarding Mexican candies and snack items that may contain high levels of lead, including products containing chili powder and products "sold in poorly made glazed ceramic vessles". (more) Publication Date: Friday, April 9, 2004	Apr 12, 2004
	College of Agricultural Sciences, Pennsylvania State University	Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) - Also Known as 'Mad Cow Disease' This page links to information and resources related to BSE.	Mar 30, 2004
	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Environmental Protection Agency	What You Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and Shellfish: 2004 EPA and FDA Advice For: Women Who Might Become Pregnant, Woman Who are Pregnant, Nursing Mothers, Young Children This advisory provides recommendations regarding the consumption of fish and shellfish for certain groups of women and children. There is also a section of "Frequently Asked Questions about Mercury in Fish and Shellfish". (more) Publication Month: March 2004	Mar 24, 2004
	International Food Information Council Foundation	Animal Diseases in the News: What You Need to Know This page provides information on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), foot and mouth disease (FMD), and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or avian flu), including summaries of the diseases and a discussion of who is at risk. Links are provided for further information. (more) Publication Month: February 2004	Mar 4, 2004
	Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration	Commonly Asked Questions About BSE in Products Regulated by FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) Questions and answers to questions related to BSE. Publication Date: Thursday, June 30, 2005	Jan 20, 2004
	Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture	Frequently Asked Questions: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy: "Mad Cow Disease" These FAQs provide basic information about BSE.	Jan 16, 2004
	Food Safety Information Center, Food and Nutrition Information Center, National Agricultural Library, U.S. Department of Agriculture	Food Safety Links - Non-English Food Safety Resources Links to a variety of food safety resources for 36 different languages.	Jul 9, 2003
	Food Safety Authority of Ireland	Food Safety Authority of Ireland Authority to ensure food safety and hygiene in Ireland. The website includes advice for consumers, research and statistics, information for those in the food industry, training information, alerts, a newsletter, publications, and more. (more)	Jul 1, 2003
	Consumers Union	Consumers Union Food Safety Issues This site by the publisher of Consumer Reports presents food safety issues of concern to consumers.	Jun 18, 2003
	National Food Safety and Toxicology Center, Michigan State University	RUSick2 Foodborne Disease Forum Do you suspect that you have food poisoning? Compare notes! Maybe you and other sick people ate the same foods. Share and Compare at Michigan State University's Foodborne Disease Forum. (more)	Apr 9, 2003
	Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture	Irradiation of Meat and Poultry Products This page on the irradiation of meat and poultry products includes questions and answers, consumer publications, notices, directives, guidance documents, FDA petitions, rules, press releases, and backgrounders on food irradiation. (more)	Mar 5, 2003
	International Food Information Council Foundation	Questions and Answers About Acrylamide Questions and answers regarding acrylamide in foods. Publication Month: October 2003	Jan 15, 2003
	European Food Information Council	European Food Information Council Non-profit organization that disseminates food-related information. The website includes a newsletter, brochures and fact sheets, and a listing of upcoming events. (more)	Jan 3, 2003
	National Coalition for Food Safe Schools	National Coalition for Food Safe Schools Collaborative organization that works to improve food safety in schools. The website includes links related to food safety in such areas as school food service, food handling, food temperature, food recalls, food allergies, cooperative extension, and more. (more)	Dec 30, 2002
	Society of Toxicology	Risk Assessment: What's It All About? This page gives a brief overview of risk assessment in a question-and-answer format, designed for a general audience. Publication Date: Thursday, November 11, 1999	Nov 5, 2002
	Pennsylvania State University	Food Safety Throughout the Food System This website offers seasonal food safety information, search engines for food safety and food preservation publications, news, courses and events, educational materials, and more. (more)	Aug 30, 2002
	Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture	Food Safety Publications This page provides links to consumer-oriented food safety publications.	Aug 9, 2002
	Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture	FSIS Print and Multimedia Publications This page provides links to FSIS publications. Includes a section on food safety education and consumer information and a section on policy documents and reports. (more)	Aug 9, 2002
	Institute of Food Science and Technology	Frequently Asked Questions About Food Science, Nutrition, and Safety: Part 1 of 4 This page and the other 3 related pages (links are provided from the 1st page) answer common consumer questions about the safety of certain foods, nutrition, food poisoning, food additives, packaging, and food science. (more)	Aug 9, 2002
	Institute of Food Science and Technology	Microbiological Food Safety for Children and Vulnerable Groups This document outlines safe practices for preventing foodborne illness in young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and persons who have an impaired immune system. (more) Publication Month: September 2001	Aug 9, 2002
	Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration	Food Labeling and Nutrition This FDA site addresses the labeling requirements for foods under the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act and its amendments. It includes information on how to use food labels, consumer nutrition and health information, industry information, guidance, and regulations, health and nutrient content claims, and more. (more)	Aug 7, 2002
	Outreach and Information Center, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration	1-888-SAFEFOOD: CFSAN's Toll-Free Information Line Information on the CFSAN Automated Information Line that provides consumers and industry with recorded information on food safety issues. You may also request information from information specialists during their business hours. See the Contact Us box for the SAFEFOOD telephone number. (more) Publication Month: May 2002	Aug 7, 2002
	Kurtzweil, Paula	Critical Steps Toward Safer Seafood This report discusses FDA's implementation of the HACCP program and other FDA measures to protect the safety of seafood products. Near the end of the report there is information for consumers on how to safely buy and cook seafood. (more) Publication Month: February 1999	Aug 7, 2002
	Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech	Virginia Cooperative Extension: Knowledge for the CommonWealth Associated with Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, this organization provides educational resources on topics including food safety. The website includes publications for consumers on a variety of food safety issues. (more)	Jul 31, 2002
	Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, U.S. Army	USACHPPM: Readiness thru Health This center provides support for the implementation of preventive medicine and public health services in the U.S. Army. The website includes information for consumers on topics such as BSE and dietary supplements. There are also descriptions of the different research departments, links to publications, training and conference info, and more. (more)	Jul 30, 2002
	Health Canada	Health Canada Online: Keeping You Informed Canadian agency for developing health policy, enforcing health regulations, and promoting disease prevention and healthy living. The website includes consumer advisories and food safety news, information on diseases, conditions, and health protection, and much more. (more)	Jul 29, 2002
	Penner, Karen	Food Safety This website provides information for consumers on hot topics in food safety, food safety tips, fact sheets, and more.	Jul 23, 2002
	Washington State University	Washington State University: Food Safety Information for Consumers This site provides information on personal hygiene, cooking foods adequately, avoiding cross-contamination, keeping foods at safe temperatures, avoiding risky foods and water, and food preservation. (more)	Jul 19, 2002
	Food Products Association	What is Food Biotechnology? A brief overview of biotechnology for consumers.	Jun 24, 2002
	Food Products Association	Food Safety: We All Have a Hand in It Overview of food safety guidelines for consumers.	Jun 24, 2002
	Food Products Association	Foodborne Illness Overview of foodborne illness including symptoms and prevention techniques.	Jun 24, 2002
	Federal Citizen Information Center, U.S. General Services Administration	Federal Citizen Information Center Links for consumers on a wide variety of topics, including health and food.	Jun 6, 2002
	Canadian Food Inspection Agency	Consumer Centre Information for consumers on allergy alerts, food recalls, biotechnology, and food facts.	Jun 4, 2002
	Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration	Consumer Advice Gives answers to consumers for common questions regarding foodborne illness, food preparation, food away from home, food storage, seafood, produce and fruit juice, dietary supplements, cosmetics, nutrition and weight loss, food labeling, and more. (more)	May 29, 2002
	Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture	USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline Hotline, accessible by phone or on the web, with answers to questions on the safety of meat and poultry.	May 29, 2002
	Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention	Foodborne Illness General and technical information on all aspects of foodborne diseases.	May 28, 2002
	National Consumers League	National Consumers League Private, nonprofit consumer group that advocates consumer views on issues including food safety.	May 3, 2002
	NSF International	NSF International Non-profit organization that develops quality standards and training related to health, food, water, and environmental quality. (more)	Apr 26, 2002
	Food and Drug Administration	Food and Drug Administration Information about FDA activities and links to sites of its various centers for the regulation of food, drugs, medical devices, veterinary drugs and feeds, cosmetics and more. (more)	Aug 31, 2001
	Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration	Foodborne Illness Links to food safety articles, documents, and other food safety resources for consumers.	Aug 31, 2001
	Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture	Food Safety Education Resources on food safety education for consumers and professionals.	Aug 31, 2001
	Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration	Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Homepage for the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, offers links to a variety of food safety and consumer information. (more)	Aug 31, 2001
	Federal Citizen Information Center, U.S. General Services Administration	Federal Citizen Information Center: Food Consumer-oriented food safety publications that can be ordered in hard copy or viewed online.	Aug 31, 2001
	International Food Information Council Foundation	Food Safety & Nutrition Information Access to background and educational information, articles, and other resources related to agriculture and food production, food allergies and asthma, food biotechnology, food safety and new technology, and international food safety resources. (more)	Aug 31, 2001
	United Kingdom Food Standards Agency	Food Standards Agency Homepage of the UK's agency responsible for food safety.	Aug 31, 2001
	Food Science Department, College of Agricultural Sciences, Pennsylvania State University	Food Safety Database Database of food safety information, including documents, websites, and guidelines, that can be targeted to producers, processors, retailers or consumers. (more)	Aug 31, 2001
	Food Safety Project, Iowa State University Extension	Food Safety Project Project to provide educational materials on food safety to consumers, educators, and students. The website includes news, publications, lessons and educational materials, a glossary, resources for food processors, and more. (more)	Aug 31, 2001
	Ecologic, Inc.	Ag BioTech InfoNet This site provides resources for educators and consumers on biotechnology issues.	Aug 31, 2001
	Blonz, Ed	Blonz Guide to Nutrition, Food Science and Health Links to internet resources in nutrition, health and food, as well as links to major news, academic, and government sites. (more)	Aug 31, 2001
	Food and Nutrition Information Center, National Agricultural Library, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture	Food and Nutrition Information Center Food and nutrition resource lists designed for consumers, professionals, and educators.	Aug 31, 2001
	Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office of Public Health and Science, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services	Healthfinder - Your Guide to Reliable Health Information Resource list of health information materials.	Aug 31, 2001
	Office of FirstGov, U.S. General Services Administration	FirstGov for Consumers: Food Resources on labeling, nutrition, product recalls, safety, and commodities.	Aug 31, 2001

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