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December Marks Worldwide Food Service Safety Month

LANSING, MI – In recognition of December as Worldwide Food Service Safety Month, established by the National Restaurant Association in 1994 to highlight the importance of food safety in the food service industry and in home kitchens, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring is reminding consumers to make food safety a priority this holiday season.

“Whether you’re working in the food service industry, gathering with co-workers, family, and friends at area restaurants to celebrate the season, or hosting holiday parties in your home, it’s important to keep foodborne illness off the menu,” said Boring. “Worldwide Food Service Safety Month emphasizes the importance of proper food handling, preparation, and storage in preventing foodborne illnesses. With the holiday season in full swing, it’s a reminder for everyone to prioritize food safety practices.”

Every year, millions of people are affected by foodborne illnesses, many of which are preventable with safe food handling practices. During this month, when holiday gatherings and meet-ups at favorite restaurants add to the celebration of the season, individuals and food service professionals are encouraged to place even more emphasis on ensuring food safety.

“We don’t want anyone’s holiday celebrations to be impacted by foodborne illness, so restaurant inspectors from local public health offices around the state work hard to make sure everyone has a safe experience when they go out to eat,” said Norm Hess, Executive Director of the Michigan Association for Local Public Health. “The same basic food safety principles and practices used at restaurants can help us all safely serve family and friends around the holidays.”

To help reduce the risk of contamination, follow these essential food safety tips:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before handling food, between food preparation tasks, and after handling raw meats or eggs.
2. Cover cuts or wounds on your hands or wrists with a bandage and food safe gloves to prevent contamination.

3. Clean and sanitize surfaces before, during, and after food preparation to eliminate harmful bacteria.

1. Wash fruits and vegetables under warm running water to remove dirt and potential pathogens.
2. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw and cooked foods separate and using clean utensils for each.
3. Cook meats to the right temperature using a food thermometer to ensure they are safe to eat.

Food safety is a team effort. By following safe practices in both professional and home kitchens, we can significantly reduce the risks of foodborne illnesses and ensure a safer dining experience.

For more information on food safety guidelines, updates, and resources, visit www.foodsafety.gov or www.michigan.gov/foodsafety.

MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Pets Safe this Holiday Season

Following a few easy tips can help ensure you have a healthy, happy howl-iday with your pets

LANSING, MI— As Michiganders put the final touches on their decorative displays, holiday menus, and travel plans, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners of some of the best ways to keep their pets healthy and safe this holiday.

“Our holiday celebrations often involve the whole family—including our pets. As we plan our festivities, we want our pets to be comfortable and calm,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “There are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this season, including keeping them away from fatty foods and ensuring they have up-to-date vaccinations.”

Keep pets safe this holiday season by following these six easy tips:

• Happy Tummies: Avoid feeding pets people foods.

Unfortunately, pets cannot enjoy all of the same foods and treats we do. Fatty foods (like turkey/turkey skin, meat fat, and gravy) can cause pancreatitis—even when consumed in small amounts. Also, chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) can be poisonous to pets; and bones can cause injury and illness.

• Avoid Temptations: Keep holiday decorations out of reach.

Sparkling ornaments, tinsel, and lights make for a beautiful display and can catch our pets’ eye. If consumed, these items could cause intestinal blockages or other injuries. Be sure these items are out of their reach, along with candles, potpourris, and some festive flowers/plants—such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias.

• Search No More: Make sure pets have proper identification.

With all the holiday activities, pets can easily sneak out and get lost. Make sure pets have identification tags and microchips updated with your current contact information to ensure they can be returned home.

• Destress and Decompress: Have a quiet space for your pets.

Holiday celebrations can be loud and overly stimulating for pets. Therefore, it is important to have a quiet space set aside for them to go if they are getting too stressed. Also, have the room stocked with their food, water, litter pan, etc. in case they would like to maintain their distance for an extended period of time.

• Cleared for Take-off: Ensure your pet is fit for travel.

If you will be travelling with your pets this holiday season, talk with your veterinarian to determine what steps, documents, or preventative care might be needed to ensure your pet is ready to go!

Destination states, countries, commercial carriers, and even lodging facilities can all have different requirements for your pets to accompany you. More resources can also be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pet Travel website or on MDARD’s animal movement website.

• Spread Only Joy: Make sure pets are up to date on their vaccinations and keep them home if they are sick.

When pets travel or encounter other people and animals, they can be exposed to contagious diseases, which is why ensuring they are fully vaccinated is so important.

Also, if sick, pets can equally spread their germs to others. Keep your pet at home and away from other animals if they exhibit any signs of illness and contact your veterinarian for further care.

Overall, be sure to discuss travel or boarding plans with your veterinarian to determine how best to protect your pets from disease. Based on their risk, your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccinations.

These tips can help your pets stay holly, jolly, and safe this holiday season. If there are ever any concerns about your pets’ health now or beyond the holidays, please contact your veterinarian.

Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Pets Safe this Thanksgiving

Enjoy all the delights of the holiday without causing discomfort and stress for pets

LANSING, MI—As Michiganders put the final touches on their holiday menus and travel plans, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners of some of the best ways to keep their pets healthy and safe this Thanksgiving.

“Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with food, family, and loved ones—especially our pets. When we include them in our festivities, we want to anticipate and meet their needs, so our pets won’t have any additional discomfort or stress,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “From keeping them away from fatty foods to ensuring they have up-to-date identification, there are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this Thanksgiving.”

Keep pets safe this holiday by following these six easy tips:

• Good Eats: Avoid feeding pets certain holiday foods

Unfortunately, pets cannot enjoy all of the same foods and treats we do. Fatty foods (like turkey/turkey skin, meat fat, and gravy) can cause pancreatitis—even when consumed in small amounts. Also, chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) can be poisonous to pets. Bones can cause injury and illness as well. However, foods like cheese and some unseasoned vegetables like green beans, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes can be given in limited amounts as special treats.

• Stash the Trash: Keep pets away from the garbage can

Discarded bones, strings, bags, and other food-related packaging can be problematic if pets try to eat them. Once disposed of, make sure these items are kept away from pets in tightly secured trash bags placed in trashcans kept behind a closed door, in the garage, or outside.

• Avoid Temptations: Keep decorations out of reach

Centerpieces, candles, and lights not only make for a beautiful display but also catch the eye of our pets. If consumed, these items could cause intestinal blockages or other injuries. Be sure these items are out of their reach, along with potpourris and some festive flowers/plants.

• Search No More: Make sure pets have proper identification

With all the activity both in and out of the kitchen, it can be easy for pets to sneak out and get lost. Make sure pets have identification tags and/or microchips that are up to date with current contact information to better ensure they are returned home.

• Destress and Decompress: Have a quiet space for your pets

The new people, large crowds, and lively activities can be loud and overly stimulating for pets. Pets could also become overwhelmed if guests bring over their pets to visit as well. It is important to have a quiet space set aside for your pet to be alone. Also, have the room stocked with their food, water, litter pan, etc. in case they would like to maintain their distance for an extended period of time.

• Cleared for Take-off: Ensure your pets are fit for travel

If you will be travelling with your pets this holiday season, talk with your veterinarian to determine what steps, documents, or preventative care might be needed to ensure your pet is ready to go! Destination states, countries, commercial carriers, and even lodging facilities can all have different requirements for your pets to accompany you. More resources can also be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pet Travel website or on MDARD’s animal movement website.

Following these tips can help keep your animals safe and healthy through the holiday. If there are any concerns about your animals’ health either now or throughout the year, please contact your veterinarian.