KROGER TEAMS UP WITH THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY TO OFFER FOOD SAFETY HOTLINEFood Science, Nutrition Experts Offer Advice about Handling and Preparing Food SafelyCOLUMBUS, Ohio (June 22, 2009) Consumers can get immediate answers to their food safety questions by calling Ohio State University Extensions Food Safety Hotline at 1-800-752-2751 (toll-free in Ohio).The hotline, sponsored since 1985 by Ohio States Food Industries Center, has had limited capacity to respond quickly to consumer questions. With new sponsorship from Kroger, it will be staffed daily by personnel from the Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT) and trained Ohio State students, supported by experts from the departments of Food Science & Technology and Human Nutrition. The hotline will be available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. After hours, consumers can leave a message and phone number to get a response.According to Bruce Macaulay, president, The Kroger Co., Columbus Division, both Kroger and Ohio State share the goal of improving food safety awareness among Ohio consumers.The hotlines expanded service begins on June 22 in conjunction with Krogers Food Safety Awareness Campaign. “The hotline is a great opportunity for consumers to quickly gain the information they seek about food safety,” Macaulay said. “We feel it important to emphasize how to safely handle and prepare foodand especially fresh meatduring the summer grilling and picnicking season when consumers may prepare and serve foods outdoors.”The Kroger Food Safety Awareness Campaign focuses on the following concepts to keep consumers and their families safe: Chill Refrigerate foods promptly and keep cold foods cold. Clean Wash hands and preparation surfaces with warm water and soap. Separate Keep fresh meat away from other foods to avoid spreading bacteria from one item to the next. Cook Use a food thermometer to ensure food is cooked to the proper internal temperature. Cook ground beef and pork to 160F. Our Ohio State food safety hotline has been in continuous operation for more than two decades, said Ken Lee, director of Ohio States Center for Food Safety and Security.Public contact was mostly by word of mouth, but now we have the marketing capabilities of a major food retailer to help educate consumers.Kroger also offers food safety messages and brochures in its stores, which includes a chart for safe cooking temperatures for meats and other foods.We are pleased to be able to offer factual information on food safety to consumers, said Valente Alvarez, director of Ohio States Food Industries Center. Sometimes people can get the wrong information and might be misled about proper food handling. The hotline will serve as a reliable, accurate source of information.For more information about preparing and handling food safety, call the Food Safety Hotline - 1-800-752-2751or visit www.kroger.com.#About KrogerKroger is one of the nations largest retail grocery chains. The Companys more than 300,000 associates serve customers in 2,487 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, Frys, King Soopers, Smiths, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger associates also serve customers in 782 convenience stores, 405 fine jewelry stores and 678 supermarket fuel centers the Company operates. The Company also operates 42 food processing plants in the U.S. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives, and local schools and grassroots organizations in the communities it serves. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at www.kroger.com.# # #For more information, please contact: Amy McCormickMedia Relations ManagerThe Kroger Co., Columbus Division614-898-3619