They are: The United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association (UFFVA), The International Fresh-Cut Produce Association (IFPA) and NSF International, The Public Health and Safety Company (NSF). The three organizations join leading industry, consumer and professional organizations as Partnership members in an effort to reduce incidences of foodborne illness.

The Partnership is creator of the Fight BAC! campaign - a national consumer food safety education campaign that emphasizes four basic food handling behaviors: cook, clean, separate and chill. Several government agencies (including the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), contribute to the development of these programs aimed at informing consumers about simple steps they should take to reduce their risk of contracting foodborne illness.

The UFFVA and IFPA are joining the Partnership to help educate consumers about the role they play in reducing foodborne illness particularly by properly handling fresh cut produce.

"Consumers play a big role in reducing the threat of foodborne illness simply by washing the produce they bring into the home," said Donna Garren, Director of UFFVA Regulatory Affairs. Jerry Welcome, President of IFPA, adds: "We are eager to help educate consumers about how they should shop for, handle and store produce to reduce risk of illness and maintain produce freshness." The Partnership, with support from the Produce Marketing Association and in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration, is developing consumer messages specifically related to handling fresh produce. These recommended practices will be released later this year.

A leader in public health and safety, NSF's first joint venture with the Partnership will be to advance awareness for the importance of clean hands. NSF is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that certifies products and writes standards that help protect food, water, air and consumer goods. NSF is currently developing a comprehensive handwashing program for children in cooperation with the Partnership to emphasize the importance of frequent handwashing as a critical step to reduce the transfer of foodborne pathogens and maintain general good health.

"Our membership with the Partnership for Food Safety Education is consistent with our unwavering commitment to help educate consumers about steps they can take to reduce foodborne illness," said NSF Vice President William Fisher. "Research shows that consumers are not washing their hands frequently or properly, and this program is being developed to help address this situation." NSF will work with the Partnership to create and distribute the educational program.

Partnership Chairman Tim Hammonds, CEO of Food Marketing Institute, welcomes the new members. "The Partnership is unique in that it provides an opportunity for members to develop consensus strategies, messages and delivery systems that will educate Americans about safe food handling. Bringing together producer and industry trade associations, consumer-oriented not-for-profit organizations and professional societies in cooperation with government agencies, the Partnership is helping more Americans become aware of how they can reduce their risk of foodborne illness." For membership information contact Shelley Feist, the Partnership's Executive Director at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The FightBAC!® campaign is the result of an extensive consumer research process. FightBAC® materials are fully accessible online and are utilized by teachers, dieticians, public health officials and extension agents across the United States.