FSIS Launches Food Safety App

WASHINGTONUSDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on May 5 launched a smartphone application called Mobile Ask Karen" that features a virtual food safety expert who provides consumers with fast, reliable information about properly handling, storing and preparing food to prevent illness.

The app, a mobile version of USDAs Ask Karen" website, currently is optimized for the iPhone, iPad and Android devices and allows users to search for 1,500 answers by product or topic, chat with a live representative, or e-mail or call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline. Consumers can get immediate answers to questions such as "Is food safe if left out overnight?" or "Should I use a wooden cutting board or a plastic one?"

FSIS has a wealth of tips and useful information to help as you shop, prepare, and store food," said Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Elisabeth Hagen. "People are using mobile devices more and more to get quick information, so we've adapted our tools, allowing more people to get food safety messages faster. Now, people can 'Ask Karen' right away when they need food safety information, without being tethered to a computer."