Food Safety and Home Food Preservation

Food Safety for Consumers
You can feel safe eating food in the United States because we have one of the safest food supplies in the world. If you do not handle food properly; however, harmful bacteria can grow, and the food will make you sick. This is called food-borne illness, commonly known as “food poisoning.” You can learn more about food safety and preventing food-borne illness from the following websites.

Gateway to Government Food Safety Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food Safety Office
Fight Bac!, Partnership for Food Safety Education
New York State Department of Health

Home Food Preservation
Many people enjoy canning, freezing, and drying foods at home. The method you need to use depends on the food you want to preserve. You need a method that not only protects the quality of the food, but one that keeps it safe. Harmful bacteria will grow when food in not preserved properly. You need to follow guidelines that have been tested and found to be safe. Visit one of the following websites to find guidelines and resources for use in home food preservation.

National Center for Home Food Preservation
USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning
Home Canning Supplies & Equipment