Barbecue Food Safety |
PDF |
En Español
Use these simple guidelines for grilling food safely.
Basics for Handling Food Safely |
PDF |
En Español | En Español PDF
Lists safe steps in food handling, cooking, and storage; includes a cold storage chart.
Be Safe -- Don't Cross-Contaminate (PDF Only)
Keep raw meat, poultry, fish, and their juices away from other food. After cutting raw meats, wash hands, cutting board, knife, and countertops with hot, soapy water.
Be Smart. Keep Foods Apart. Don't Cross-Contaminate
By following these simple steps, you can prevent cross-contamination and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
The Big Thaw -- Safe Defrosting Methods for Consumers
Learn about the three safe ways to defrost food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave.
Cleanliness Helps Prevent Foodborne Illness
By keeping everything clean that comes in contact with food, consumers can be assured they are helping to do their part to Fight BAC!®
Color of Meat & Poultry
Questions and answers about factors affecting the color of meat and poultry.
Cooking For Groups |
En Español
This information will help volunteers prepare and serve food safely for large groups such as family reunions, church dinners, and community gatherings. Get the booklet, artwork, and more.
Cooking Safely in the Microwave Oven |
PDF |
En Español |
En Español PDF
To make sure foods are prepared safely, special care must be taken when cooking or reheating in the microwave.
Crossing the Border with Meat & Poultry
Tips on traveling with food.
Do New Products Enhance or Endanger Food?
Facts about thawing trays, solar box cooking, disposable temperature indicators, thermoelectric cooler/warmers.
Does Washing Food Promote Food Safety?
How to prevent cross-contamination; safe cleaning methods.
Doneness Versus Safety
Is "done" the same thing as "safe"? What does it mean to cook to proper temperature?
Door-to-Door Meat Sales |
En Español
Consumers must know important information about the dealer and the company before making a decision they might later regret.
Fighting BAC!® by Chilling Out
Cold temperatures keep harmful bacteria from growing.
Focus On: Freezing
How to freeze food safely and how long to keep it.
Focus On: Slow Cooker Safety
Used correctly, this countertop appliance is safe and convenient.
Food Product Dating |
En Español
Background information on what dates do and don't tell you about the safety of your food.
Food Safety for Persons with AIDS
Persons with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are susceptible to many types of infection including illness from foodborne pathogens. They are at higher risk than are otherwise healthy individuals for severe illness or death.
Food Safety in the Kitchen: A "HACCP" Approach
Think about preventing safety hazard in the kitchen before problems occur.
Food Safety While Hiking, Camping & Boating
Whether you are in your kitchen or enjoying the great outdoors, there are some food safety principles that remain constant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Safety from the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline
Questions and answers under a variety of topics.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bacteria, Spoilage
How do bacteria spoil food?
Frequently Asked Questions: Natural Flavorings on Meat and Poultry Labels
The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline receives many questions about natural flavorings listed on meat and poultry labels.
Handling Food Safely on the Road
Plan ahead and pack safely for the camping trip, boat ride, day at the beach or trip in the RV.
Hotline Answers "Panic Button" Food Safety
Questions
During the holidays, people are busy and can sometimes forget that improper handling and cooking can lead to foodborne illness. Here are some questions callers have asked regarding the safety of their holiday foods.
How Temperatures Affect Food
Keep food out of the Danger Zone between 40° and 140°F.
Inspection & Grading: What Are the Differences? |
En Español
The inspection and grading of meat and poultry are two separate programs within USDA. Inspection for wholesomeness is mandatory; grading for quality is voluntary.
Keeping "Bag" Lunches Safe |
PDF |
En Español
Food brought from home can be kept safe if it is first handled and cooked safely.
Listeriosis & Food Safety Tips |
PDF |
En Español |
En Español PDF
What at-risk consumers can do to prevent listeriosis and other foodborne illnesses.
Listeriosis and Pregnancy: What is Your Risk? |
PDF |
En Español |
En Español PDF
Safe food handling for a healthy pregnancy.
Mail Order Food Safety
These tips will help the purchaser and recipient determine if their perishable foods have been handled properly. More information on the
mail order web page.
Meat Packaging Materials
Includes a glossary of packaging terms.
Molds On Food: Are They Dangerous? |
PDF
Includes a chart, Moldy Food: When to Use, When to Discard.
No-Show Guests Jeopardize Food
When guest encounter emergencies and the meal must be delayed or cancelled, food must be handled "just right" to remain safe.
Refrigeration & Food Safety
When guests encounter emergencies and the meal must be delayed or cancelled, food must be handled "just right" to remain safe.
Safe Handling Take Out Foods |
PDF
Keep take out and delivered foods safe and store leftovers properly. Download the
SIT (Stuffed Image Format) for professional printing.
Seniors Need Wisdom on Food Safety |
En Español
Knowledge of safe food handling is needed to help seniors stay healthy.
Smoking Meat & Poultry |
PDF |
En Español
Where there's smoke, there's well flavored meat and poultry. Using a smoker is one method of imparting natural smoke flavor to large cuts of meat, whole poultry, and turkey breasts.
Taking Care of Business: Food Safety Resources for Retail and Foodservice Establishments |
PDF
Multiple copies: To receive a CD-ROM with a professional printer-ready of the brochure, send your request to
fsis.outreach@usda.gov.
To Your Health! Food Safety for Seniors
Find out how times have changed, and why seniors may face special risks from foodborne illness.
Top Ten Reasons to Handle Your Food Safely
Published in honor of the Meat & Poultry Hotline's 10th year of operation.
Water in Meats
Answers to questions that consumers have asked about water in packages of fresh meat and poultry.
