Food Safety and Foodborne Illnesses

Definition and Importance of Food Safety

• Food safety refers to the handling, preparation, and storage of food in ways that prevent foodborne illnesses.
• Food safety is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses, which can be life-threatening, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and people with weakened immune systems.

Foodborne Illnesses

• Caused by consuming contaminated food and water
• Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever
• Can be caused by:
  • Bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli)
  • Viruses (e.g., Norovirus)
  • Parasites (e.g., Giardiasis)
  • Chemicals (e.g., heavy metals)

Food Safety Hazards

• Biological hazards:
  • Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi
  • Can be found in food, water, and on food handlers
• Chemical hazards:
  • Pesticides, heavy metals, and other chemicals
  • Can contaminate food and water
• Physical hazards:
  • Objects that can cause injury or choking
  • Can be found in food (e.g., glass, metal, bones)

Safe Food Handling Practices

• Cleanliness:
  • Wash hands frequently
  • Clean and sanitize surfaces, utensils, and equipment
• Separation:
  • Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from ready-to-eat foods
  • Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for each food type
• Cooking:
  • Cook food to the recommended internal temperature
  • Use a food thermometer to ensure proper cooking
• Chilling:
  • Refrigerate perishable foods promptly
  • Keep cold foods at 40°F (4°C) or below
• Cross-contamination prevention:
  • Prevent raw meat, poultry, and seafood from coming into contact with ready-to-eat foods

Food Safety Regulations and Guidelines

• Governments and organizations set guidelines and regulations to ensure food safety
• Examples:
  • Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
  • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
  • Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

Consumer Responsibilities

• Handle and store food safely
• Cook food to the recommended internal temperature
• Check expiration dates and food recalls
• Report foodborne illnesses to the authorities

Food Safety

• Food safety is critical in preventing foodborne illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, and people with weakened immune systems.

Foodborne Illnesses

• Caused by consuming contaminated food and water, symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever.
• Can be caused by:
  • Bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E.coli)
  • Viruses (e.g., Norovirus)
  • Parasites (e.g., Giardiasis)
  • Chemicals (e.g., heavy metals)

Food Safety Hazards

Biological Hazards

• Include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi
• Can be present in food, water, and on food handlers

Chemical Hazards

• Include pesticides, heavy metals, and other chemicals
• Can contaminate food and water

Physical Hazards

• Include objects that can cause injury or choking
• Can be present in food (e.g., glass, metal, bones)

Safe Food Handling Practices

Cleanliness

• Wash hands frequently
• Clean and sanitize surfaces, utensils, and equipment

Separation

• Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from ready-to-eat foods
• Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for each food type

Cooking

• Cook food to the recommended internal temperature
• Use a food thermometer to ensure proper cooking

Chilling

• Refrigerate perishable foods promptly
• Keep cold foods at 40°F (4°C) or below

Cross-Contamination Prevention

• Prevent raw meat, poultry, and seafood from coming into contact with ready-to-eat foods

Food Safety Regulations and Guidelines

• Governments and organizations set guidelines and regulations to ensure food safety
• Examples include:
  • Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
  • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
  • Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

Consumer Responsibilities

• Handle and store food safely
• Cook food to the recommended internal temperature
• Check expiration dates and food recalls
• Report foodborne illnesses to the authorities