PHOENIX -- As millions of people fire up the the grill this Fourth of July, the US government is trying to make sure everyone is safe when it comes to preparing food and staying completely healthy.
Now, anyone with questions can log on for help.
The
Food Safety and Inspection Service runs a website called
Ask Karen. A virtual character, named Karen, is available twenty-four hours a day to provide information regarding food-borne illnesses and answers to food safety questions.
"Safe food handling is always important, but during peak grilling season in the warm summer months, there needs to be an increased awareness of safe food handling practices," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a news release on the
United States Department of Agriculture website.
The department also provides over-the-phone services, during the week, in English and Spanish to consumers with questions regarding food safety.
The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854); TTY: 1-800-256-7072.
The hotline also contains timely food-safety messages.
