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Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of articles and opinion columns we are publishing in recognition of Food Safety Education Month.

September is National Food Safety Education Month. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness about steps consumers, educators and others can take to prevent food poisoning.

Every year, an estimated 1 in 6 Americans — or 48 million people — get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from eating contaminated food.

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Some people are more likely to get a foodborne illness, also called food poisoning, or to get seriously ill.

Join us in sharing information about which groups of people are more likely to get food poisoning, symptoms of food poisoning, and what steps they or their caregivers can take to help prevent it.

Also, learn when to see a doctor and how to report food poisoning.

Everyone is at risk of food poisoning, but some groups are at higher risk. Children under the age of 5, adults age 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get a foodborne illness, and to get seriously ill.

The CDC advises people to see a doctor if they experience severe symptoms such as fever over 101.5 degrees F, bloody diarrhea, frequent vomiting, diarrhea lasting more than three days, or signs of dehydration.

Help increase food safety awareness in your community by sharing key messages through social media, on your website, and in your newsletters.

You can also:

Resources

Additional information and prevention tips

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