Ask USDA

Ask USDA, formerly Ask Karen, provides 24/7 assistance and tips on preventing foodborne illness, safe food handling and storage, and safe preparation of meat, poultry, and egg products. The mobile app has all the same features as the web version (which is also available in Spanish), providing users with answers to food safety questions while at the grocery store, farmers market, in the kitchen, or while at the barbecue grill.

Using a mobile device, users can chat live with a food safety expert on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. EST.  The app also provides the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline number (1-888-MPHotline) to speak to someone directly.

Additional general food safety resources can be found on Food Safety page, while food safety information specific to the WIC population can be found on the Food Safety for Children and Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women page.

A related resource, FoodKeeper, is available both on the web and as a mobile app and provides guidelines for food and beverage storage.