Abstract
Foodborne illnesses impact millions of individuals each year, with young children at high risk of contracting such diseases. Many of these pathogens responsible for these illnesses can be destroyed with proper food handling techniques. Research has shown there is a need for improved food safety education among the general public. This project sought to increase food safety knowledge by developing a food safety educational tool that expands on current meat handling information. A “Food Safety Cube” was developed that expands on the current Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) “Safe Handling Instructions” label. This tool was positioned throughout several high visibility areas in Native American reservations and community centers throughout Nebraska. After 2-3 months, a knowledge survey was conducted to assess if the tool had been viewed and evaluate knowledge of meat handling and preparation concepts. A majority (53%) of survey respondents reported viewing the educational tool and also reported appropriate methods to check meat doneness and timeframes for refrigeration of cooked meat products. Findings from this study indicate that food safety educational tools that are in-depth and illustrative in nature have potential to increase consumer knowledge on food safety principles.
Recommended Citation
Crews Bair, Kelsey; Sinley, Rachel C.; and Albrecht, Julie A.
(2013)
"Food Safety Education Cube for Native Americans,"
RURALS: Review of Undergraduate Research in Agricultural and Life Sciences: Vol. 8:
Iss.
1, Article 1.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/rurals/vol8/iss1/1