The United States offers one of the safest food supplies in the world. However, despite all of these safety factors, microorganisms may still exist at levels that present risks to consumers. Government regulators, public health authorities, health professionals, scientists, consumer groups and the food industry all agree that prevention of foodborne illness is a primary food safety goal. Everyone in the food system can do their part to help ensure the safety of food. Informed consumers can help extend the precautions taken by industry and government by becoming educated on how to buy, prepare and store food safely.
Consumers expect food that they buy in supermarkets to be as free as possible from bacteria.
However, none of the control measures currently in use can completely remove one hundred percent of the microorganisms present in food. That's why good sanitation and careful food handling and preparation by everyone in the food system will always be necessary to prevent foodborne illness. Most foodborne illness can be prevented through some simple food handling and storage steps. All it takes is a little know-how. It is important for consumers to think about food safety at each step, from shopping, to cooking, to storing leftovers to help avoid foodborne illness.