ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association here has mailed educational materials to more than 3,500 public health officials and members of the media, as part of a public health outreach program to help reduce the chances of inaccurate information springing up during food safety crises.
oduce and foodborne disease, analyzing the current scientific research on outbreaks associated with produce.
"In an outbreak situation, nothing is more critical than accurate information," said Sarah DeLea, United's vice president of communications, in a statement.
"Arming health officials and reporters with this data in advance can help minimize misinformation and provide them with an ongoing source for produce safety information."
The package also includes a question-and-answer section; charts regarding imports, consumption and point of contamination; a 10-year listing of outbreaks associated with produce and the cause of each outbreak; produce handling tips for consumers; listings of scientific, public health, government and industry experts; and copies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's "Summertime Safe Food Handling Tips."
