Whereas, One of the top priorities of the state and the Michigan Department of Agriculture is ensuring food safety and security in Michigan; and,

Whereas, Michigan’s food safety program is unique and comprehensive because all of its programs covering food regulations from farm to table (animal health, animal fee, pesticides, food processing, dairy meat, eggs, retail food, and food service) are housed in one agency:  the Michigan Department of Agriculture; and,

Whereas, The technology of the Internet advances food safety efforts in Michigan; it must be used in conjunction with the frequent, necessary emphasis o human responsibility and key food safety principles, particularly hand washing, one the part of anyone who processes, prepares, touches, or eats food; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Department of Agriculture, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration the Michigan Department of Community Health; local health departments across the state; many other federal, state, and local agencies; Michigan State University and other colleges, universities, and schools; the state’s food and agriculture industry, including grocer, restaurant and food service organizations; and consumer groups, work cooperatively and proactively to ensure a safe food supply; and,

Whereas, While the food supply in Michigan is among the safest in the world due to such efforts and the strong partnerships that are the cornerstone in the state, consumers also play a vital role in ensuring food safety; and,

Whereas, September 2006, marks the 12^th annual National Food Safety Month, a time set aside to raise this important public awareness and educate consumers regarding safe, proper food handling and preparation at home, and also to reinforce food safety education and training among food establishment workers; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2006, as Food Safety Month in Michigan.