What It Is
Stop Foodborne Illness (STOP) is a national nonprofit organization, based in Chicago, Illinois, that works to prevent foodborne illness. It was founded in 1993 as Safe Tables Our Priority by parents of victims of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to Jack in the Box hamburgers. That outbreak spread across California and the Pacific Northwest, sickened more than 700 people, and killed four children. STOP supports people affected by foodborne illness, advocates for stronger food safety policies, and works with Congress, the USDA, the FDA, and the CDC. Through its Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness, it brings food companies together to strengthen food safety culture, and since 2023, the Alliance has recognized rising food safety professionals through its annual 40 Under 40 program. STOP also offers the Dave Theno Food Safety Fellowship, which gives a young food scientist full-time, paid experience working with the organization.
Why It Matters
Stop Foodborne Illness shows that food safety is not just a technical job. It is a cause driven by real people whose lives were changed by contaminated food. STOP helped push for the passage of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act in 2011, and it continues to work with lawmakers and agencies on food safety policy. Its 40 Under 40 program highlights young professionals from industry, universities, and government who are already making a difference. For young people considering a career in food safety, STOP shows the wide range of people, from scientists and inspectors to advocates and communicators, who work together to keep food safe.
