U.S. Department of Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's mission is to provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science and efficient management. USDA's virtual representative, "Ask Karen," is available at AskKaren.gov. Food safety coaches are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET on the "Ask Karen Chat" and by phone at the USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline, 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). Recorded messages are available 24 hours a day.