By:
Chuck Woods (352) 392-1773 ext 281Source(s):
Amy Simonne asimonne@mail.ifas.ufl.edu, (352) 392-1895 ext. 232
Susan Conley susan.conley@fsis.usda.gov, (202) 720-7943
Brenda Williams bcwilliams@mail.ifas.ufl.edu, (352) 955-2402
Mary Keith makeith@mail.ifas.ufl.edu, (813) 744-5519 ext. 136
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gainesville will be the first stop April 2 on a nationwide tour for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new Food Safety Mobile — a colorful, eye-catching educational vehicle staffed by USDA and University of Florida food safety experts with lots of free advice for consumers.
After visiting Albertsons supermarket at 2323 Northwest 13th Street in Gainesville, the Food Safety Mobile will stop in St. Petersburg and Tampa, said Amy Simonne, an assistant professor with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, which is sponsoring the Florida tour.
The first 200 people who visit the Food Safety Mobile at Albertsons in Gainesville between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. will receive a free food thermometer, she said. The Gainesville program also will include food safety demonstrations at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
“To avoid foodborne illness, we want people to know how to prepare, handle and store food in the safest way possible, including information on topics such as proper handwashing, cooking temperatures and cross contamination,” Simonne said.
Foodborne illness often produces flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or fever, she said. Millions of cases of foodborne illness occur each year. Age and physical condition place some people at higher risk than others.
“The elderly, very young children, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are at greater risk for contracting a foodborne illness,” she said. “Fortunately most cases can be prevented.”
Many types of bacteria are naturally present in the environment, but not all of them can cause foodborne illness, Simonne said. Bacteria may be present on products when they are purchased. Proper cooking and processing of food destroys bacteria, and proper food handling and storage can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Simonne, who is coordinating the Food Safety Mobile visits in Florida with Susan Conley, director of food safety education programs for USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, said the national tour “gives new meaning to the concept of mobile messaging.” Simonne said it’s an effective way for USDA and the UF extension service to reach consumers at the grass-roots level.
Brenda Williams, Alachua County extension agent, is helping Simonne coordinate the Gainesville visit. In the Tampa Bay area, Nan Jensen, Pinellas County extension agent, and Mary Keith, Hillsborough County extension agent, are helping coordinate the visit.
After the Gainesville stop, the Food Safety Mobile will be at The Festival of States at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival in St. Petersburg April 4 – 6 and at Albertson’s in Tampa April 8.
Dates and hours for the St. Petersburg visit are from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. April 4; noon to 10 p.m. April 5; and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. April 6. The address is Vinoy Park in downtown St. Petersburg.
Hours for the Tampa stop are from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The store address is 3838 Britton Plaza (Dale Mabry Highway and Euclid Avenue).
At all three Florida stops, representatives from UF, USDA, the federal Food and Drug Administration and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will be available to answer consumer questions about food safety. Students from UF’s food science and human nutrition department will don food safety character costumes.
Thomas McMahan, food safety manager for Albertsons, said food safety is a top priority for the company. He said Albertsons is committed to providing its customers with the safest and best quality products, and welcomes the opportunity to have the Food Safety Mobile visit their stores in Gainesville and Tampa.
After the Florida tour, the Food Safety Mobile will travel throughout the United States, appearing at state and county fairs, health and safety expos, grocery stores, schools, libraries and various community events.
Simonne said UF county extension faculty and other Florida organizations can request that the USDA Food Safety Mobile come to their event, or plan a special event using the mobile.
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