Dear TV Station General Manager:

Despite progress in improving the quality and safety of U.S. foods, foodborne illness remains a serious public health problem. Each year, as many as 5,000 deaths and 76 million illnesses are directly linked to foodborne pathogens.

That's why I am writing to ask for your help in educating the public about safe food handling. Although most consumers are concerned about food safety, surveys find that many people are not taking some basic sanitation and food handling steps that could greatly reduce their risk of becoming ill.

To change this situation, [NAMEOFSTORE] has joined with the Partnership for Food Safety Education - a unique public-private partnership consisting of industry, government and consumer groups - to conduct one of the most far-reaching and ambitious public education campaigns ever focused on safe food handling. Called Fight BAC!® (bacteria), the campaign features a green, slimy looking creature named "BAC" who will bring consumers face-to-face with the invisible enemy of foodborne bacteria. The campaign also stresses four key practices for safely preparing and storing food: clean (washing hands and surfaces often), separate(don't  cross-contaminate), cook (cook foods to proper temperatures), chill (refrigerate promptly).

A major component of the Fight BAC!® campaign is a humorous and colorful television public service announcement featuring a frustrated BAC trying unsuccessfully to spread contamination throughout the kitchen. With the help of computer imaging technology, the spot not only brings BAC to life but delivers all four food safety messages in only 30 seconds.

As a concerned member of the community, [NAMEOFSTORE] would appreciate it greatly if you would air this spot to the viewers in our area. With your help, we can get out the word that Americans can Fight BAC!® and can keep their foods safe from bacteria.