The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) launched a series of Twitter feeds that will provide state-specific, food safety alerts to consumers. The alerts will focus on meat, poultry, and processed egg products. Information about protecting food supplies during severe weather will also be provided.
Food Poisoning Bulletin has told you about Twitter aiding food poisoning outbreaks in real time, and how researchers are studying social media to help predict outbreaks. This is something new.
Twitter feeds for all U.S. states and territories will launch during the first week of March. The first feeds launched today, for:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Utah
- Washington
USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Elisabeth Hagen said, “These new Twitter feeds provide yet another mechanism for us to provide consumers with critical updates and relevant information they need to protect their families from foodborne illness. The immediacy of information-sharing through social media is unparalleled, and we believe these timely, targeted updates will better protect publish health.”
You can also follow Food Poisoning Bulletin on Twitter for all of the food safety news you’ll need. FSIS’ Primary Twitter Feed will still be in effect.
