Fight BAC!

The Canadian Partnership for
Consumer Food Safety Education

Many cases of foodborne illnesses occur as a result of improper food handling and preparation by the consumers. In December 1997, communication between industry, health, environmental and consumer organizations, and federal and provincial government agencies concerned with food safety, resulted in the formation of the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education. Health Canada is a founding member of the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education which was incorporated as a nonprofit organisation in April 1998 and launched its FightBAC!^TM education campaign in November 1998. The mandate of the Partnership is to "Contribute to the reduction of microbial foodborne illness in Canada by increasing awareness of safe food handling practices through the coordination and delivery of food safety education programs focussed on the consumer". Through the FightBAC!^TMcampaign, the Partnership promotes four key messages which are CLEAN: wash hands and surfaces often; COOK: cook to proper temperatures; SEPARATE: don't cross contaminate and; CHILL: refrigerate promptly.

Health Canada encourages Canadians to FightBAC!^TM by thinking of food safety at every step of the food handling process-from shopping for groceries to re-heating leftovers.

Please visit the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education website