Support Continues for Consumer Food Safety Education
August 28, 2000
August 28, 2000, OTTAWA - Representatives from consumer groups, the food industry, environmental, health and government organizations attended the third Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education held this summer. Elections for the 2000/2001 Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Officers were held, the 1999/2000 Annual Report was tabled and accepted, and the business plan and 2000/2001 budget were presented. (Members list attached.)
The Partnership was formed in December 1997, by organizations committed to reminding consumers they have a role to play in ensuring that food consumed in the home is safe. A national survey conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in early 1998, showed that although consumers are fairly knowledgeable about food safety in the home, many consumers don’t always use safe food handling techniques regularly in their own homes.
In November 1998, the Partnership launched a national consumer food safety awareness campaign called FightBAC!® (BAC stands for harmful bacteria). The Campaign aims to inform consumers of the crucial, yet simple steps they can take to help keep their food safe from the time they bring it home from the grocery store to the time it is consumed, by using four key messages for food safety: Clean, Cook, Chill, and Separate.
Partnership members have been since spreading the messages of the FightBAC!® Campaign across the country through the use of food safety action kits, pamphlets, a travelling exhibit, web site and even a giant-sized bacteria (nick-named BAC!TM) who has made appearances across Canada. The messages are also being delivered by many grocery store chains across the country.
In 1999/2000 the Partnership increased its membership to 64 organizations and launched a food safety learning kit targeted at Kindergarten to Grade 3 students. This national voluntary teaching supplement aids teachers and other children’s group leaders in their own food safety programs. Additional materials available for children include BAC! stickers, puzzles, colouring pages, refrigerator thermometers and bookmarks.
The Partnership plans to develop a learning program for Grades 4 to 6 in 2000/2001 as well as other innovative tools, and will continue spreading the FightBAC!® messages.
To find out more about the Partnership messages and upcoming FightBAC!®
Campaign events, to request FightBAC!® promotional products or the Partnership’s Annual Report for 1999/2000, visit the Partnership’s web site located at www.canfightbac.org or call (613) 798-3042.
For more information contact:
Robert de Valk
Private Sector Co-Chair
(613) 938-1175
JoAnn Myer
Public Sector Co-Chair
(613) 225-2342 ext: 4169