Blog

NFSM 2013Food safety is one of the most important issues in the restaurant and foodservice industry throughout the year, and is receiving particular attention this time of year. As part of the National Restaurant Association’s (NRA) continuing efforts to educate the industry and the public about food safety best practices, National Food Safety Month (NFSM) will be held for the 19th consecutive year this September.

Restaurants serve 130 million patrons each day, making the industry’s role in food safety critical. The NFSM campaign underscores the importance of training employees in safe food handling practices.

The Delaware Restaurant Association supports the NFSM campaign and encourages all restaurants in Delaware to participate. “Food safety training is a journey rather than a destination, and should be an ongoing process in every restaurant, every day,” said Carrie Leishman, President & CEO, Delaware Restaurant Association. “The NFSM materials are designed to be used in quick, in-store huddles to keep food safety top of mind for all employees.”

This year’s NFSM theme is “Avoid a Reaction by Taking Action,” focusing on the increasing importance of food allergen awareness and serves to build public awareness of the restaurant and foodservice industry’s commitment to excellence in all aspects of food safety education and training.

“We are excited about participating in National Food Safety Month throughout September,” said Carrie Leishman, President & CEO. “Food safety is, and always has been, our highest priority. We take food safety education and training – especially the new food allergen training – very seriously because it ensures that we provide the highest quality meal experience to all our guests every day. While we are committed to excellence in food safety year-round, this month we are taking the opportunity to share and highlight our enthusiastic commitment to the NFSM campaign focusing on food allergen awareness and training.”

Food allergies are on the rise, already affecting more than 15 million Americans. To enhance their safety whenever they dine out, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) has recently partnered with FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) to create a new training program for all foodservice workers, the ServSafe Allergensâ„¢ Online Course. Learn more at FoodAllergens.com.

The Delaware Restaurant Association will be engaging in a series of items during National Food Safety Month:

•Â  Conduct ServSafe Food Protection Manger training classes for all employees.

•Â  Engage staff with contests or games offering prizes to encourage participation.

•Â  Encourage members to promote NFSM throughout their operation using posters to highlight key practices and procedures.

•Â  Encourage staff to participate in the NRA social media contest highlighting food allergen and food safety awareness.

•Â  Promote National Food Safety Month on the DRA website and social media channels.

 

National Food Safety Month 2013 is sponsored by SCA, a global hygiene company and makers of the Tork® brand of away-from-home paper products.