August 10, 2001

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan will get Food Safety Education Month off to an early start on Monday, August 13, at the Illinois State Fair.

Mrs. Ryan will be joined for the event, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Illinois Department of Agriculture tent, by Illinois Department of Public Health director Dr. John R. Lumpkin, Agriculture director Joe Hampton and Dr. Jan Endres, head of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale's food and nutrition department.

The tent features a mock kitchen and touch-screen kiosks that give tips on safe food preparation. The display is the result of food safety research by the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research.

September is National Food Safety Education Month.