With the new school year underway and the increasing media coverage of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic and the upcoming flu season, we wanted to remind you of the information and resources the NRA has available regarding preparedness and prevention.

The National Restaurant Association is continuing to work closely with the White House and federal health officials on the steps we can take as employers and individuals to anticipate, prepare, and, when the situation warrants, respond quickly and effectively to the threat posed by the H1N1 virus.

We have communicated that the restaurant industry is a partner that takes this responsibility seriously because the health of our customers and employees is paramount. We have worked collaboratively with federal health officials, who have stated that “Influenza viruses are not known to be spread by eating food items.”  This information can be found on the www.flu.gov Web site.

We will keep monitoring the H1N1 situation and will keep you up to date with the latest information, including additional resources on how to communicate with employees, guests, and state and local health authorities.

Renee M. Theragood | State Coordinator
National Restaurant Association

1200 17th Street, NW | Washington, DC  20036
Tel: 202-331-5904 | Fax: 202-973-5374 | www.restaurant.org | rtheragood@restaurant.org