September 5, 2002

The Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) will highlight safety precautions when buying or receiving food throughout September as part of National Food Safety Education Month.

Instructors with HDHHS’ Bureau of Consumer Health Services will emphasize the "Check It Out Before You Check It In" theme during classes offering food service manager certification.

The bureau will also conduct a free food safety seminar sponsored by the Greater Houston Restaurant Association to promote food safety issues. The seminar will be held at 2 p.m. September 26 at the Art Institute of Houston, 1900 Yorktown. For more information about the seminar, call 713-802-1200.

The safety measures below help ensure food is safe from foodborne illness.

• Make sure that all food is from an approved and inspected source.
• Receive refrigerated food products at 41°f or below and hard solid frozen foods.
• Check for discoloration, slimy feel or foul smell.
• Check for intact packages, leaking containers, torn covers.
• Check for wholesomeness and other information.

"Americans are aware of food safety now more than ever," said Chirag Bhatt, Division Manager of the bureau. "National Food Safety Education Month gives us the opportunity to highlight what we are doing in the restaurant and food-service industry to educate employees about proper food safety procedures."

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation organizes the month-long campaign every year. For additional food safety tips, visit the department’s website at www.houstonhealth.org.