Quincy, MA - Stop & Shop is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Mobile, an eye-catching, 35-foot long education and outreach vehicle to educate consumers on safe food handling practices.

The mobile will visit several Stop & Shop supermarkets this summer. The USDA Food Safety Mobile is next scheduled to visit these Stop & Shop locations:

• 1245 Farmington Avenue
  West Hartford, CT
  July 8, 2004
  9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• 416 East Main Street
  Middletown, CT
  July 20, 2004
  9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

"The tour and the USDA Food Safety Mobile are educating millions of people about the risks associated with mishandling food and how they can reduce their risk of foodborne illness," said Dr. Elsa Murano, Under Secretary for Food Safety at USDA. The mobile unit serves as a "rolling billboard" for food safety messages and as an attention-getting backdrop for educational exhibits and events appealing to adults and children alike.

With the picnic season in full swing, Stop & Shop believes the partnership with USDA is another way to remind consumers to practice safe food handling techniques while enjoying the great outdoors. The mobile will give customers tips on food storage, proper grilling techniques and other bits of advice useful for the summer season.