FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28, 2009

NCDA&CS Food and Drug Division launches ‘Got to be NC Food Safety’ Web site to supplement food safety efforts

RALEIGH — The Food and Drug Protection Division at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has created three new ways for North Carolina consumers to find answers to their food safety questions.

A newly redesigned “Got to be NC Food Safety” Web site, www.ncfoodsafety.com, provides food safety information, laws and news for consumers, retailers, producers and educators. The site also features a “Food for Thought” section with statistics and trivia for children and families.

In addition, a new toll-free number and e-mail address will provide North Carolina residents with more in-depth responses to their food safety questions. Consumers can call (877) FOOD-644 (877-366-3644) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or e-mail ncfoodsafe@ncagr.gov.

"This new site is an additional resource for North Carolinians to learn about ways to prevent food-related illnesses,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Foodborne illnesses cost the nation $6.9 billion annually, so we also have a strong financial interest in ensuring the safety of our food supply. Each person from the farm to fork has a role to play in food safety.”

These tools serve as supplements to the department’s other food safety outreach programs, including the annual Food Safety Forum and educational seminars for food businesses.

The NCDA&CS also partners with federal, state and local agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources, N.C. State University and North Carolina’s 86 local health departments.

-kwj, 2-