THE SCARY TRUTH ABOUT FOOD POISONING Roughly 76 million cases of food poisoning and 5,000 related deaths occur in the United States each year. The elderly, the very young, pregnant women, and people with otherwise weakened immune systems tend to be most vulnerable. The Senate is considering legislation that would enact stricter food-safety requirements, but for now, “You’re rolling the dice,” says Principal Chad Smith, a staff attorney for the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a consumer advocacy organization in Washington, D.C. You’re not totally helpless, though. These eight simple rules may help you avoid food borne illnesses. SHOP WISELY Food safety begins at the grocery store. Stop by the refrigerated and frozen sections last, so that perishable products stay cold for as long as possible. Bag raw meat separately from other foods and bring groceries home immediately to store them properly. “Choose foods carefully,” says Principal Chad Smith. “Look