Janice Adams-King

United States Department of Agriculture

Foodborne illness remains a public health challenge in the United States, with an estimated 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths annually.  Everyone is at risk for contracting a foodborne illness; however, young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with a weakened or compromised immune system are at greater risk for experiencing a more serious illness or even death. 

Though preventable, research shows that consumers may not be aware nor practice all of the safe food handling behaviors, i.e., Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill, necessary to protect themselves from contracting a foodborne illness.  To educate consumers about safe food handling behaviors, the United States Department of Agriculture has historically developed campaigns, publications and other media to help educate general and at-risk populations about foodborne illness and safe-food handling practices. 

Recently, USDA developed Food Safety: The Immune-Compromised Brochure Series that targets transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cancer, and older adults.   This Series is a tool to help educate health care professionals, patients, and caregivers about safe food handling to prevent foodborne illness among these targeted groups.

USDA encourages you to view the Series by accessing the links below. 

The link to access the Immune-Brochure Series is   
Food Safety for Older Adults (PDF Only; 1.4MB) | Text-Only PDF
This 24-page color brochure has tips especially for those ages 65  and older. Text-only version has been optimized for accessibility.

Food Safety for People with Cancer (PDF Only; 1.4MB) | Text-Only PDF
This 24-page color brochure has tips especially for people who have been diagnosed with cancer. Text-only version has been optimized for accessibility.

Food Safety for People with Diabetes (PDF Only; 1.4MB) | Text-Only PDF
This 24-page color brochure has tips especially for people who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Text-only version has been optimized for accessibility.

Food Safety for People with HIV/AIDS (PDF Only; 1.4MB) | Text-Only PDF
This 24-page color brochure has tips especially for people who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Text-only version has been optimized for accessibility.

Food Safety for Transplant Recipients (PDF Only; 1.4MB) | Text-Only PDF
This 24-page color brochure has tips especially for people who have received bone marrow or solid organ transplants. Text-only version has been optimized for accessibility.

Tear-Out Card from the Brochures (PDF Only; 1MB)
Food Safety Tips for Smart Shoppers; food safety resources.