Food Safety For YOU! 2007 Edition

The "411" On the 4 Cs!

Clean, Cook, Combat Cross-Contamination, and Chill

CLEAN   |   COOK   |   SEPARATE   |   CHILL

Food Safety Concerns You!

Everyone shops, prepares, and eats food. That's why it's so important to follow the basics of food safety. Harmful bacteria that may be present in food can cause foodborne illness when the food is eaten.

All along the food chain, food safety experts are working to keep our food safe on the farm . . . through the processing plant . . . during transportation . . . and at the supermarket and restaurant (see the Farm-to-Table illustration). Once you take food home from the supermarket and restaurant, you also have an important role to play.

Foodborne illness can affect anyone at any time, but certain people are more likely to get sick from foodborne bacteria. And once they’re sick, they face the risk of serious health problems, even death. Such at-risk people include:
pregnant women, young children, people with chronic illnesses and weakened immune systems, and older people. Also, underlying illnesses such as diabetes, some cancer treatments, and kidney disease may increase a person’s risk of foodborne illness.

To fight bacteria that cause foodborne illness, just follow these 4 Fight BAC!™ Steps to Food Safety (also known as the 4 Cs of Food Safety): Clean Cook Separate (Combat Cross-Contamination) Chill Also, encourage your family and friends to be "BAC fighters," too! Welcome to the wonderful world of the 4 Cs.

Your Weapons Against Foodborne Illness - The 4 Cs of Food Safety

CLEAN   |   COOK   |   SEPARATE   |   CHILL

Food Safety A to Z Reference Guide