For more than twelve years the Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE) has played a special role with consumers, reminding them about important steps they can take, at home and at work, to reduce the risk to themselves and their families of foodborne illness.

The Partnership was formed in 1997 in response to an independent panel report, "Putting the Food Handling Issue on the Table: The Pressing Need for Food Safety Education," which called for a national public-private partnership to educate the public about safe food handling and preparation.  PFSE was formally launched through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the secretary of agriculture, secretary of health and human services and secretary of education, together with leaders of food trade associations, consumer and public health organizations and the Association of Food and Drug Officials.

The Partnership serves as a critical vehicle for national collaboration – working to build consensus on messages and strategy, and leveraging delivery channels to reach consumers.  The Partnership’s Fight BAC!® campaign reaches millions of consumers with the four simple practices they can use to fight foodborne bacteria and reduce their risk of becoming sick:

• Information and graphics are consumer-tested, based on science and actionable.
• Materials are free and available for use by anyone interested in teaching others about the importance of safe food handling to good health.
• Public opinion research and expert scientific and technical review are used to develop the messages which reach consumers through the media, through public health programming, in schools, and at the supermarket.
• A national network of 10,000 BAC Fighters -- consisting of public health, nutrition, food science, education and other information intermediaries -- helps expand the reach of the Fight BAC!® messages to all Americans.

In 2010, the Partnership's membership comprises 18 associations and nonprofit organizations.  Contributing members represent the country's leading consumer organizations, food industry associations, commodity groups and professional associations in the food sciences and nutrition.

PFSE is funded by contributions from these participating organizations, and through grants and in-kind support provided by federal government agencies and other non-profit organizations.  Please consider supporting the work of the Partnership through your tax-deductible contribution.