PA Ag Secretary Offers Food Safety Tips for Memorial Day Weekend Celebrations

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following proper food handling procedures can help Pennsylvanians enjoy a safe, illness-free Memorial Day gathering, Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding said today.

"Memorial Day is a time when many families and friends get together to enjoy cookouts and good food," Redding said. "Following proper food handling procedures will help to keep your guests from becoming sick due to a food-borne illness."

Redding offered the following food safety tips:

• Wash hands with soap and warm water and dry them thoroughly before and after handling food.
• Keep hands, clothing and food surfaces clean during food preparation.
• Use separate cutting boards, platters, trays and utensils for cooked and uncooked meat, fish and poultry.
• Make sure your foods are temperature-controlled, meaning the hot foods should stay hot and cold foods remain cold.

Food safety has been a significant priority during the Rendell administration. The Governor formed the Food Safety Council in 2009, which continues to meet and provides better oversight for Pennsylvania's food supply at every stage of the process, from the farm to the fork.

The council was a recommendation of the Strategy for Agriculture and Food Excellence, or SAFE, which PDA established two years ago. SAFE is an initiative of the departments of Agriculture and Health, and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. It also addresses threats to the safety and security of Pennsylvania's food supply.

Redding also recommended using PA Preferred foods to prepare your backyard barbeque. All PA Preferred foods have met strict food safety and quality standards to be in the program.  

"Using PA Preferred products means you support our 63,000 farm families and that you're committed to eating a premium-quality food," Redding added, noting that that May is beef and egg month.

For more information about food safety, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Justin Fleming, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture