You and the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) are partners in insuring that your food is protected once it's at your home. Here are ways the MDARD is making sure you and your family have safe food.

• Call 1-800-292-3939 or e-mail us at mda-info@michigan.gov if you have a question or problem with your food when you get it home from the grocery store. The MDARD will connect you with the expert you need to help you with your problem.
  
  
• The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development releases information to the media and on our website on issues that affect the food you bring home. To find out which foods have been recalled, go to "Recalls".  To find out about assuring food safety in your kitchen, follow the four important steps below and go to "Food Safety in the Home" for additional information.
  
  
  
  • Clean: Wash your hands and surfaces involved with food frequently.
    
    
  • Separate: Cross contamination is how bacteria can spread from one food to another. Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood and their juices away from ready-to-eat foods.
    
    
  • Cook: Cook food-particularly meats and eggs--to proper temperatures.
    
    
  • Chill: Refrigerate promptly.  Set your refrigerator no higher than 40°F and the freezer unit at 0°F.
    
    
• When you bring food home, sometimes you will use it to make a picnic, barbeque or meals for camping.  The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development encourages you to go to "Food Safety Outdoors" for additional information on food safety out of doors.