Release No. 0177.00
Media Contact: Susan McAvoy (202) 720-4623
susan.mcavoy@usda.gov
Public Contact: Susan Conley (202) 720-7943
susan.conley@usda.gov
USDA LAUNCHES FOOD THERMOMETER EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2000–The U.S. Department of Agriculture today launched a national consumer education campaign to promote the use of food thermometers in the home. The campaign features a cartoon thermometer called Thermy™ that proclaims "It’s Safe to Bite When the Temperature is Right."
"Consumers should use a food thermometer when cooking meat,
poultry, and egg dishes," said Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman.
"Using a food thermometer is the best way to ensure that food has reached a
temperature high enough to destroy harmful bacteria."
Most people think they know when food is done by trusting their experience or the color of meat. This can be misleading. One out of four hamburgers turns brown in the middle before it has reached a safe internal temperature, according to recent USDA research.
The new public education campaign includes a televised public service announcement and informational materials for consumers, educators, and health professionals. A number of grocery chains around the country including, Giant Food Inc. of Md., Tops, BI-LO, Stop and Shop, Giant Food Stores of Pa., Wegmans, Schnuck Markets, Spartan Foods, Big Y, Supervalu, Richfoods, Farm Fresh, Albertsons, Kings Super Markets, and the thermometer industry are also participating in this public effort.
Information about the campaign is available on the web at www.fsis.usda.gov/thermy or call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555.
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This news release is also available at http://www.usda.gov/news/releases/2000/05/0177
For Further Information, Contact:
Meat and Poultry Hotline:
FSIS Food Safety Education Staff
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