 "It must have been something I ate," is often the explanation for what many people call the "stomach flu" – diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. Do these symptoms sound familiar to you? If so, you may have been one of the 76 million Americans that experience foodborne illness each year.
Celebrate National Food Safety Month with the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services in September to make foodborne illness history! We have many educational tools to keep you and your family safe – a lesson plan, games, coloring sheets, quizzes, and food safety information for all ages.
Searching for fun and educational activities for the kids – check out our coloring book, food safety quiz, or links to other web sites. Hurricane season brings many challenges, including keeping food safe – see our Emergency Preparedness section for tips. How long should you keep those leftovers – see our Food Safety Facts to find the answer.
Most importantly, if in doubt, throw it out! Most people recover from foodborne illness in a few days, but long-term health effects (such as kidney failure) and death are possible.
Food safety literally begins at the farm and ends at the fork with the consumer. The NCDA&CS Food & Drug Protection Division performs inspections and testing at all points of the food chain – at the farm, manufacturer, and retailer. In fact, State and local agencies perform more than 80% of the food safety work performed in the United States. We are fortunate to enjoy one of the safest food supplies in the world. You can learn more about us at www.ncagr.gov.
Food For Thought is an initiative of Commissioner Steve Troxler to protect you and your family’s health. Join us as we celebrate Food Safety Month in September and year-round!
Steve Troxler, Commissioner
    
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