Food Safety

The food safety program is designed to provide effective educational programs to Miami-Dade citizens and consumers at various levels leading to improved food handling practices, and consequently to a safer food supply.

The target audiciences of the program include consumers, institutional and home food handlers, schools, institutional food services, youth and volunteer organizations.

Foodborne Illness Facts

Did you know...

• Approximately 76 million people become sick from foodborne illness annually across the United States.

• More than 325,000 people are hospitalized each year for foodborne illness.

• Approximately 13 men, women, and children die every day from foodborne illness.

• This year about 5,000 people will die from foodborne illness.

Some possibe signs and symptoms you have a food borne illness include:

• Upset stomach
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration (sometimes severe) from losing bodily liquids.

Don't count on sight, smell and taste to test for food safety. It can take ½ hour to 2 weeks to become sick from unsafe foods.  You may become sick later even if you feel OK after eating.

Other Resources

USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
Toll-free: 1-800-535-4555
For the hearing-impaired
(TTY) 1-800-256-7072