Food Safety Education

	Photo: ARS Photo Unit

Food safety is an important program area of the UC Small Farm Program. The chain of food safety begins with farmers in the field, but continues through packinghouses, value-added production operations, farmers markets and other vendors, and ultimately ends with the consumer.

Below are some resources for researchers and for educators.

• Food Safety at Farmers Markets and Agritourism Venues
  This 36-page "Primer for California Operators," is a basic guide to understanding food safety issues relevant to California certified farmers markets and agritourism operators. The handbook can also be useful as a resource for educating employees.
  • Traditional Chinese translation (2,415 KB)

• Consumer Food Safety Tips
  Fact sheet for consumers about how to keep food safe at home--the final link in the chain of food safety.

• Getting the Message to Consumers
  Tip sheet for organizations and educators about how to spread the news about food safety.

• For more food safety tips, download the 2007 Vol. 1 issue of Small Farm News, or call the Small Farm Center at (530) 752-8136 for a printed copy.

• Food Safety Begins on the Farm: A Growers Guide (PDF)
  This 28-page booklet provides an overview of good agricultural practices that can be implemented on farms and in packinghouses, as well as background information on foodborne illnesses related to produce consumption. Produced by Cornell University's Good Agricultural Practices Program.

Additional sites with food safety information include:

• UC Food Safety
  Compilation of UC food safety research from agricultural researchers and Cooperative Extension specialists throughout the state.

• UC Davis Food Safety Music
  Educational web page with food safety-themed covers of popular tunes. Lyrics, audio and video files available.

• Fight BAC Partnership for Food Safety Education
  Food safety educational resources for consumers.

• Gateway to Government Food Safety Information
  Compilation of selected food safety-related information from various government souces. Site is maintained by the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

• FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
  FDA program focused on food supply, as well as cosmetics safety, with information on various food safety concerns and consumer advice.

• USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
  Public health agency responsible for ensuring that the nation's commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, and correctly labeled and packaged.

• USDA Food Safety Research and Information Office
  Disseminates food safety research information, primarily for researchers.

• USDA Food Safety Information Center
  Provides food safety information and news to educators and researchers.