"Food safety." You hear a lot about it. But as with any comprehensive topic, there may be simple steps that are second nature that you've practiced forever - like hand washing - and then there may be current or updated information that is less familiar, or that may have changed since the last time you looked.

That's what Kitchen Companion: Your Safe Food Handbook is all about. This food safety handbook contains all the basic information you need to know about food safety: some old and some new and all in one place.

Between the information-rich chapters and the easy index in the back, Kitchen Companion will likely answer all of your food safety questions. But if not, don't miss the food safety contact information on page 44. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service is always there to help.