The Importance of Food Safety

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (November 8, 2017) – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s EFNEP Program along with the Partnership for Food Safety Education team (PFSE) are working together to educate consumers on the importance of food safety with the fundamentals of Clean, Separate, Cook & Chill.

A delicious and healthy holiday feast begins with basic food safety practices that are known to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. “We want to engage holiday cooks in an interactive way as they host holiday meals and parties and create seasonal traditions,” said Shelley Feist, PFSE executive director. “Food safety basics are so important during the holiday season and will ensure everyone has the most enjoyable Friendsgiving, Hanukah and office Christmas parties. Nobody has time to get sick!”

The Story of Your Dinner stresses the importance of food safety practices. At StoryOfYourDinner.org, consumers can download recipes with food safety steps built in and see 1 minute videos showing preparation of delicious, holiday dishes with food safety reminders. Cornell Cooperative Extensions EFNEP Program reminds consumers to keep the “Core Four” Fight BAC!® food safety practices top-of-mind throughout the holiday season:

Clean: Wash hands and surfaces often.

Separate: Don’t cross-contaminate.

Cook: Cook to the safe internal temperature.

Chill: Refrigerate or freeze promptly. Use or freeze leftovers within 3-4 days.

For more information please call Cornell Cooperative Extensions. We offer free Nutrition Education Classes, to speak to an EFNEP Educator to see if you qualify call us at 716-664-9502 ext. 217.

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated November 8, 2017