Release No.0173.00 
Media Advisory

Not for publication
                                             For planning purposes only                   
                                                                                               
                                   Elizabeth Gaston (202) 720-9113 
                                             


USDA TO LAUNCH THERMOMETER EDUCATION CAMPAIGN 

     Washington, May 23, 2000   The U.S. Department of Agriculture will
launch a multi-year national consumer education campaign on Thursday, May 25,
to encourage consumers to use a food thermometer when cooking meat, poultry
and egg products.

     At the event, USDA will introduce its new Public Service Announcement
and the costume character, Thermy, who is the new messenger of the food safety
advice, "It's safe to Bite When the Temperature is Right."

     A cooking demonstration will be provided by Chef Ronald DeSantis, CMC,
of the Culinary Institute of America, and representatives from the thermometer
industry will be providing free thermometers.

                                   What:          Kick-Off of the Thermometer Education Campaign
                         Featuring Thermy 

                              Where:    USDA Jamie Whitten Bldg.
                    Room 107A
                    1400 Independence Ave. SW
                    Washington, DC

                              When:     Thursday, May 25
                    10:30 a.m.

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