Partnership for Food Safety Education
The Partnership for Food Safety Education is a nonprofit organization established to prevent illnesses and fatalities caused by foodborne infections within the United States. The organization employs resources premised on scientific evidence to effectively engage its target audience. Its members include representatives from the food industry, professional societies specializing in food science, nutrition, and health consumer groups, and government agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration. The organization's services cater to health and food safety educators nationwide who identify themselves as "BAC! Fighters."
In 2024, Dr. Barb Masters, Vice President of regulatory policy, food and agriculture for Tyson Foods, was elected as board chair.
History
The Partnership for Food Safety Education was established in the United States in 1994 to educate consumers about safe food handling practices to reduce the occurrence of foodborne illnesses. PFSE is a non-profit organization that collaborates with government agencies, industry associations, and academic institutions to promote food safety education through its "Fight BAC!" campaign. The campaign provides consumers with clear and practical guidelines for safe food handling, including handwashing, proper cooking temperatures, and timely refrigeration.In 2003, the Partnership for Food Safety Education received a determination letter from the IRS, recognizing it as a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3).
In 2010, the Partnership conducted a strategic analysis and identified three focal areas: convening, amplifying, and evaluating. The Partnership supports consumer food safety education through these approaches by bringing stakeholders together, raising awareness, and assessing the effectiveness of educational efforts.