WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2006 - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns will address food safety educators, public health officials and medical professionals at an innovative national food safety conference today in Denver.

"This conference helps educate doctors, nurses and health officials about those who are most at risk to food borne illness, including young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems," said Johanns. "It's my hope USDA will reach as many Americans as possible about the importance of food safety."

To help accomplish this, Under Secretary for Food Safety, Dr. Richard Raymond will preview a forthcoming national, grassroots consumer food safety education campaign called 'Be Food Safe.' The new campaign will be launched later this fall and will build on the four key food safety messages of:

• Clean
• Separate
• Cook
• Chill

These messages were developed as part of the national Fight BAC!(r) campaign of the Partnership for Food Safety Education, which kicks off its 10th anniversary at the conference. The Partnership is a not-for-profit organization that unites industry associations; professional societies in food science, nutrition and health; consumer groups and government agencies to educate the public about safe food handling. USDA is a member of the Partnership and has joined in celebrating National Food Safety Education Month(r) throughout September.

Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Service, Nancy Montanez Johner, will also address the conference. She will stress the importance of building partnerships at the local, state, and federal level to ensure food safety for everyone, especially the most vulnerable populations.

News releases and other information related to food safety can be found at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov