September is Food Safety Month.  Accordingly, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that it has launched Spanish language versions of its Ask Karen (Pregúntele a Karen) service and the FSIS Twitter feed.  According to a USDA press release, “These new features are meant to further prevent foodborne illnesses and promote food safety by reaching out to a broader audience of consumers.”

Screen shot 2010-09-07 at 5.38.31 PM.png“We are excited to be able to provide America’s Spanish speaking community additional tools to prevent foodborne illness,” said FSIS Administrator Al Almanza.

In addition to launching Spanish language versions of its interactive online offerings, FSIS has translated hundreds of fact sheets and other publications on food safety topics, which are available on the agency’s Website. 

Pregúntele a Karen (Ask Karen) is a virtual food safety representative with information for consumers about preventing foodborne illness, safe food handling and storage, and safe preparation of meat, poultry, and egg products.   Spanish-speaking consumers can chat live with this food safety representative and obtain food safety information.

The FSIS Twitter feed keeps consumers and other interested communities informed of the latest agency news and events and provides useful food safety tips.

“Now, Spanish-speaking consumers will be able to ask questions and receive immediate safe food handling and consumer food safety education information using Pregúntele a Karen and following us on our Spanish Twitter account,” Almanza added.