The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a toll-free food safety hot line to provide information to consumers about the purchase, storage, handling and preparation of meat, poultry and eggs.

The hot line, (800) 535-4555, is staffed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Around-the-clock recorded information is also provided.

The USDA food safety line offers information about product recalls, bacteria in food that can cause illness, recommended meat storage time and the effects of power failures on food storage, as well as product labeling and general nutrition. Callers may also obtain information about the so-called “mad cow disease.”