For the past twenty years, September as been recognized as National Food Safety Education Month. The theme for this year is “Notorious Virus”. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illnesses, with about 20 million people getting sick each year. The most common source for norovirus is ready-to-eat foods and shellfish from contaminated water. Once a person is sick it is easily spread to others.
Of course, the best way to prevent the spread of norovirus is simply washing your hands correctly. Other tips include: avoid bare-hand contact; purchase food from approved suppliers; encourage employees to stay home when sick; clean up spills properly; and clena and sanitize food-contact surfaces. Handwashing is the number one way to prevent infectious disease so from the children in your care, to the providers and food handlers this is something to put great emphasis on.
To learn more about Food Safety Education or to find activities for children visit:
https://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/features-month/september/national-food-safety-education-month
Watch Me Learn and Grow 