Recent increase in foodborne illness is reported to cause approximately 76 million illnesses each year in the United States. Changing epidemiology of foodborne illness, increase in restaurant industries in Nevada, lack of knowledge on food handling practices among food service workers, existing distrust of food industry and regulatory agency among the consumers, and frequent miscommunication while exchanging food safety information among the local, state, and federal agencies emphasize the need for improved models to communicate food safety information. Our study is the first needs assessment study that assesses the existing communication models in the state of Nevada. Survey questionnaires were designed to target regulatory agencies and food industries. The data findings on the most preferred communication methods used by the regulatory agencies and industries were consistent with the communication methods reported in the literature. The data illustrated a need to improve the existing communication method in Nevada. (Abstract shortened by UMI.). |