September is National Food Safety Month - Spotlights Foodborne Illness Detection and Protection

Lansing, MI, September 04, 2016 --(PR.com)-- In its ongoing commitment to food safety, the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) today announced this year’s National Food Safety Month (NFSM) theme: “Notorious Virus”- how to protect against the leading causes of foodborne illness.

“Food safety and security is the top priority for Michigan’s sixteen thousand restaurants,” said Justin Winslow, President and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant Association. “This September, we will be providing the tools foodservice professionals need to protect themselves and their guests against foodborne illnesses. With over 50 million meals served daily, learning how to detect and protect against foodborne illness is top of mind in the restaurant and foodservice industry.”

According to the National Restaurant Association (NRA) this year’s NFSM campaign will focus on protecting against some of the leading causes of foodborne illness – Norovirus and Hepatitis A. The MRA will highlight the sources of these viruses and provide tips and tools on how to detect and prevent the spread of foodborne illness through proper hand washing and cleaning procedures. New training tools and resources will be made available each week including activities, posters, infographics, and videos. The themes for each week include:
· Week 1: Viruses – Know The Basics
· Week 2: Norovirus
· Week 3: Hepatitis A
· Week 4: Stop The Spread
· Week 5: Keep Your Guests Safe

NFSM, held annually in September, was created in 1994 by the National Restaurant Association to heighten awareness about the importance of food safety education. As part of its campaign, the Association offers free resources for foodservice industry professionals.

To join the conversation, follow @ServSafe on Twitter and use the hashtag #NFSM.

For more information and resources on NFSM, visit: FoodSafetyMonth.com.

About the Michigan Restaurant Association
Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice community. Founded in 1921, the MRA represents approximately 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 421,500 people and generating $15.4 billion in annual sales.

About the National Restaurant Association
Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of 14 million employees. We represent the industry in Washington, D.C., and advocate on its behalf. We operate the industry's largest trade show (NRA Show May 20-23, 2017, in Chicago); leading food safety training and certification program (ServSafe); unique career-building high school program (the NRAEF’s ProStart); as well as the Kids LiveWell program promoting healthful kids' menu options. For more information, visit Restaurant.org and find us on Twitter @WeRRestaurants, Facebook and YouTube.