USDA/FSIS Help Line for Consumers / Food Service Operators

Here is a move that I think is very positive by USDA/FSIS to expand their hours making them more available.  At a time, when we are still seeing recalls pretty much every day,, there still has to be some accountability by the public as they prepare their foods as well.  Meaning they need to know not to cut up fresh vegetables on a cutting board they use to cut up meat, etc.  How to properly thaw their meats and so many more food safety guidelines!  

I know the Jr. high school here at least includes it in their science curriculum now but how many schools really do this?  As both parents tend to work and there are more and more single parent homes the children are left to pick up a lot of the chores which includes cooking.  Therefore, we need to be teaching this at a younger age.  

But, in lieu of teaching them in school - making the information available to consumers and their families so they can learn it at home is a great value!  

Consumers can contact the Meat and Poultry Hotline to speak to a live food expert at 1-888-674-6854, or visit Ask Karen to chat or email (in English or Spanish), Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time/7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific Time.