Cross-posted from the USDA blog.
I was honored to address over 700 national leaders in the food safety field last week at “Advancements in Food Safety Education: Trends, Tools and Technologies,” a conference co-hosted by USDA.
This was our largest-ever gathering for this event, drawing an audience of educators, scientists, public health officials, industry leaders, consumer representatives and others in the food safety field.
President Obama made it clear early in his presidency that food safety is among his highest priorities. Less than 60 days after taking office, the President established the Food Safety Working Group to advise him on how to upgrade the U.S. food safety system.
One goal of the group is to communicate critical food safety messages to food preparers. For example, avoiding cross contamination and staying home from work when you have a stomach virus. Educators and health professionals play a critical role in delivering these messages. Millions of foodborne illnesses are caused by contamination during food preperation, thus training food handlers to prepare food safely is a key part of the President’s goal.
Fonte: White House