KROGER’S FAMILY OF STORES REMIND CUSTOMERS TO CHILL, CLEAN, SEPARATE AND COOK

As Summer Grilling Season Approaches, Easy Food Safety Steps Are Key

CINCINNATI, Ohio, May 18, 2009 – As the summer grilling season approaches, The Kroger Co.’s (NYSE: KR) family of stores is reminding customers about the four keys to safe grilling: Chill, Clean, Separate and Cook:

CHILL: Keep cold foods cold
• Use a cooler or chill bag to keep meat cold on the way home.
• Set refrigerators to 40° F.
• Thaw meat in the refrigerator.

CLEAN: Wash kitchen surfaces often
• Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling food.
• Wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils often.

SEPARATE: Don’t cross-contaminate
• Separate fresh meat from other food.
• Keep cutting boards and utensils separate to prevent spreading germs.
• Place cooked food on a clean plate.

COOK: Cook food to a safe temperature
• Use a food thermometer every time you cook fresh meat.
• Cook ground beef and pork to 160° F to ensure it’s safe and delicious.

“Grilling out with family and friends is a terrific summer pastime we can all enjoy. At Kroger, we are partnering with our customers to remind them to follow these easy food safety tips so that every cookout is a success,” said Joe Grieshaber, group vice president of Kroger’s meat, seafood, deli and produce departments.

For more information about fresh meat and food safety, Kroger invites customers to visit: www.kroger.com/safefood.

About The Kroger Co.
Kroger, one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains, employs more than 326,000 associates who serve customers in 2,481 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states. Kroger operates stores under two dozen local banner names including, Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, Fry’s, King Soopers, Smith’s, Dillons, QFC and City Market. In addition, Kroger associates serve customers in 771 convenience stores, 385 fine jewelry stores and 781 supermarket fuel centers the Company operates. Kroger also operates 40 food processing plants in the U.S. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives, and local schools and grassroots organizations in the communities it serves. For more information about the Company, please visit www.kroger.com.

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