This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) announced an expansion of its services to the general public--the Meat and Poultry Hotline. This change is in accordance with the agency’s 5-year Strategic Plan goal to focus on the reduction of foodborne illness by increasing public awareness of safe food handling methods.
FSIS’ Meat and Poultry Hotline is a toll-free number that’s been assisting consumers with their safe food storage, handling and preparation questions for 32 years. The hotline has answered more than three million calls since its inception. Now, the hotline will operate for an additional two hours, from 10 am to 6 pm Eastern.