September is National Food Safety Education Month — also known as Food Safety Month 2025. This annual event reminds us of the importance of safe food handling practices at home, in restaurants, and across the food industry. Following the right food safety tips not only helps protect health but also builds trust between businesses and their communities.
Why Food Safety Matters
The CDC estimates that 48 million Americans suffer from foodborne illness each year. That’s about 1 in 6 people. While many cases are mild, some result in hospitalization or worse. By learning how to prevent foodborne illness through proper cleaning, cooking, and storage, both consumers and businesses can make a major difference in public health.
The Four Pillars of Food Safety
When it comes to protecting yourself and your customers, the USDA and FDA recommend these core food safety tips:
Clean – Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces often to remove germs.
Separate – Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meats away from ready-to-eat foods.
Cook – Always use a food thermometer to check that foods reach safe internal temperatures.
Chill – Refrigerate perishable items quickly, keeping your fridge at or below 40°F.
These simple steps are essential to prevent foodborne illness caused by harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.
Food Safety for Businesses
For food service operators, grocery stores, and manufacturers, food safety is more than a regulatory requirement — it’s the foundation of customer trust. Businesses can strengthen their food safety practices by focusing on:
Employee Training: Provide regular refreshers on proper handling and hygiene.
Proper Storage: Use labeling and dating systems to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Temperature Monitoring: Track food temperatures consistently to ensure safe storage and cooking.
Sanitation: Implement thorough cleaning schedules for surfaces, tools, and equipment.
How to Participate in Food Safety Month 2025
Here are some meaningful ways to recognize Food Safety Month this year:
Share food safety tips across social media to help educate your community.
Offer refresher courses for staff on food handling and storage.
Conduct an internal food safety audit to identify improvements.
Collaborate with local health departments or food banks to raise awareness.
Final Thoughts
Food Safety Month 2025 is a reminder that everyone plays a role in keeping food safe. By taking steps to prevent foodborne illness, businesses and consumers alike can protect health and build stronger, safer communities.
Cambro Manufacturing’s StoreSafe Solutions: a dedicated resource created to support HACCP best practices at every stage of foodservice, from receiving and storage to prep, service, and warewashing.
Looking to improve your food safety equipment? Contact us today to see how we can help.