April 29, 2005

BAC Down! Initiative Launches May 1, 2005

On Sunday May 1, 2005, the Partnership for Food Safety Education, comprised of industry associations, Federal agencies, and other donors, is launching the BAC Down! initiative to build upon and expand the successful national FightBAC!® food safety education campaign. The Bac Down! initiative goal is first to increase awareness and second to encourage consumers to use a refrigerator thermometer to monitor their home refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F. In this simple way, consumers can really make a difference and significantly reduce their risk of foodborne illness. Dr. Robert E. Brackett, Director of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), will speak at the launch, which will take place at the Food Marketing Institute's annual show in Chicago.

The Partnership's original Fight BAC! Campaign includes the four key themes: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. The BAC Down! initiative is intended to promote the Chill message and is aimed at helping to support the goal of the Federal agency partners-FDA, CDC, and USDA-to reduce incidences of foodborne listeriosis by 50 percent by the end of 2005. See additional information and material on the BAC Down! initiative.