What does the T stand for in the FDA's ALERT tool?

The T in the FDA's ALERT tool stands for "Tell." The ALERT tool is designed to help food service establishments and other food industry stakeholders develop and implement strategies to identify and respond to food safety threats. The acronym stands for:

• A: Assure – Make sure food is from safe sources.
• L: Look – Monitor the security of food products.

• E: Employees – Know who is in your facility and monitor employees.
• R: Reports – Keep information on food safety issues.
• T: Tell – Inform authorities about any suspicious activity.

The "Tell" aspect emphasizes the importance of communication and reporting any notable incidents or concerns about food safety. It encourages individuals and employees to be proactive in reporting issues that may compromise food security or safety. This is critical because timely reporting can help prevent potential outbreaks, mishandling, or tampering with food products.

The other choices, while relevant to food safety, do not pertain to the specific context of the ALERT tool. Threat, Time, and Temperature are important concepts in food safety management but serve different functions in a comprehensive food safety plan.