SAMPLE PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Four Steps To Food Safety is the theme for National Food Safety Education Month^SM 2002; and

WHEREAS, National Food Safety Education Month^SM was launched by the restaurant and foodservice industry and is widely supported by government agencies, the food industry, universities, consumer organizations; and

WHEREAS, educators across the country recognize and encourage the observance of National Food Safety Education Month^SM and have joined forces to mark this occasion; and

WHEREAS, this year, to emphasize the importance of the four basic messages, Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill, to help in keeping most harmful bacteria from multiplying and help to prevent foodborne illness; and

WHEREAS, consumers and commercial food preparers should practice the four simple steps to food safety, promoted by the nationwide food safety education program called Fight BAC!®:
1. Clean: Wash hands and surfaces often.
2. Separate: Don't cross-contaminate.
3. Cook: Cook to proper temperatures.
4. Chill: Refrigerate promptly; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 76 million persons experience foodborne illnesses each year, resulting in 5,000 deaths annually; and though most consumers have a good foundation of food safety knowledge, problem areas and food safety gaps still exist; and Government research shows that this gap results in increased risk of foodborne illness and food safety education is vital in helping to combat this public health issue.

NOW, THEREFORE, to express appreciation for the many dedicated educators and consumers who actively promote safe food products and the safe handling of food, we do hereby proclaim September 2002 as National Food Safety Education Month^SM and call upon public and private organizations to celebrate with appropriate activities that acknowledge these efforts.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this day___________, the two hundred and twenty-seventh year of the Independence of the United States of America.

Name______________________________________________________

Title________________________________________________________

^SM International Food Safety Council

* Distributed May 2002 for use in September 2002 as part of the International Food Safety Council's National Food Safety Education Month.

Top of Page
Welcome | Clean | Separate | Cook | Chill | What's New | Additional Food Safety Tools