The burden of foodborne Illness is too high.
I’m passionate about food safety because real people – folks who are just like my family, my neighbors or the guys on my hockey team – get sick every day.
Earlier this year I visited with STOP Foodborne Illness’ staff and board members and met a group of equally passionate individuals, many of whom have been directly touched by the effects of pathogens. The organization advocates for increased food safety – whether that be through industry interventions, communication activities or policy initiatives.I was recently appointed to STOP Foodborne Illness’ board (press release below).
I hope that the stuff I’m part of, created, whatever, leads to less sick people.
That’s it.
The classic movie “Outbreak” sparked a lifelong interest in pathogens and public health for Dr. Ben Chapman, who was just appointed as the newest board member of STOP Foodborne Illness (www.stopfoodborneillness.org), the leading national advocate for safe food. Today, as an associate professor and food safety extension specialist at North Carolina State University, Chapman focuses on helping organizations and corporations design, implement, and evaluate food safety strategies.
“Dr. Chapman is extremely well known in the food safety community for his research and advocacy for food safety, and we’re thrilled to have him on our board,” said Deirdre Schlunegger, chief executive officer of STOP Foodborne Illness. “His down-to-earth approach backed by solid science and research will help us continue to raise awareness of the danger that foodborne pathogens present to millions of people very year.”
Chapman will work with STOP Foodborne Illness to publicize his findings and successes to lessen the incidence of foodborne illness, which affects more than 48 million people per year, and hospitalizes approximately 128,000, according to the CDC. As part of his work, Chapman investigates behaviors and creates interventions aimed at amateur and professional food handlers, managers, and organizational decision-makers. He also hosts a biweekly podcast called Food Safety Talk, as well as contributes to the popular “barfblog,” (barfblog.com) which offers food safety news and science-backed opinions.
For more information on STOP Foodborne Illness, please visit www.stopfoodborneillness.org. If you think you have been sickened from food, please contact STOP Foodborne Illness’ helpline (1-800-350-STOP) which helps foodborne illness victims navigate the health system to figure out what they have, where it might have come from, and what to do next.
About STOP Foodborne Illness
STOP Foodborne Illness (STOP) is a national, nonprofit, public health organization dedicated to preventing illness and death from foodborne pathogens. STOP achieves its mission by advocating for sound public policies, building public awareness and assisting those impacted by foodborne illness.www.stopfoodborneillness.org.
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Media Contact: Beth Strautz, bstrautz@vagusagency.com, 773-895-5387