Food Safety Fundamentals PDF

TH2203 FOOD SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS What is Food Safety? Food is any material consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, and fat used in the body of a...

TH2203 FOOD SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS What is Food Safety? Food is any material consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, and fat used in the body of an organism to sustain growth, repair vital processes, and furnish energy – it is the basic need of all living beings (Britannica, 2020). It also refers to any substance or product, whether processed, partially processed, or unprocessed, intended for human consumption (Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme [JFSP], 2001). The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), an intergovernmental body established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), defines food safety as “the assurance that food will not cause harm to the consumer when it is prepared and/or eaten according to its intended use” (Mortarjemi & Lelieveld, 2014). This definition embodies three (3) essential notions: The notion of harm. It separates the safety aspects of food from other quality aspects that make food unfit for human consumption without necessarily presenting a danger to health. The concept of food safety that makes it unfit for human consumption, even though it is safe, is referred to by the CAC as food suitability. The concept of assurance. Food safety and its management should be based on measures in place to ensure that food is safe. Food safety depends on the conditions in which food is produced and prepared and not on the results of the end-product testing, which for many contaminants cannot be a reliable method for food safety assurance. The conditions for ensuring both safety and suitability are referred to as food hygiene by the CAC. Preparation and/or use of a food product should be considered in product design. A food product is considered safe if it is prepared and/or used according to its intended use. The intended use and information conveyed to the consumer should be considered by the manufacturer in the product's design. The consumer must also follow the on-pack instructions as provided by the manufacturer. According to Motarjemi and Lelieveld (2014), successful and sustainable businesses prioritize consumers and meet their expectations. The three (3) fundamental expectations of consumers are (1) to be able to trust the food businesses from which they buy their food products, (2) to be able to rely on their ability to ensure the safety of their products, and (3) to have confidence that, in the event of a mishap, they will take the necessary measures to protect them and will act truthfully and transparently. Therefore, it cannot be stressed enough that customers' trust is one of the most important assets of a food business and that food safety is the foundation of this trust. Sectors Involved in Food Safety Management (Motarjemi and Lelieveld, 2014) The modern approach to food safety management recognizes the need for cooperation of different sectors and a role or responsibility for each sector. Government Public health and food control authorities have the leading role in managing food safety and overseeing the safety of food supply, from primary production up to the point of consumption. The government’s duties include the following: Foresee all infrastructures and public health services that are necessary for good food safety management, such as public health laboratories, water supply, and sanitation; Promulgate laws and regulations, which give priority to public health but which also meet other societal and environmental factors; and Provide education to caregivers, consumers, travelers, health professionals, and the public. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 1 of 13  TH2203 Industry The food industry is responsible for ensuring that the food it puts in the marketplace or served in food establishments is safe, fit for human consumption, and meets the regulatory requirements of the country where it is marketed. The food industry must have an integrated food safety assurance system to meet these responsibilities. Consumers Consumers at large, domestic and professional food handlers in particular, also have an equally important role in food safety. These include, but are not limited to: Observation of good hygienic practices in the preparation of food; Reading the information on the labels of products and observing the instruction for the preparation and storage of products; Reporting defective (unsafe) products to public health authorities and/or manufacturers; and Being discriminatory in selecting products, brands, and establishments to exclude those that may present a risk for health, do not respect food hygiene, do not meet regulatory requirements, or have unethical practices. Academia Scientists play an essential role in both the management of food safety and the communication of a crisis. They contribute to food safety management by providing scientific data and assessments like: Toxicological information, mechanisms of contamination of food items with chemicals, or their formation; Ecology of microorganisms and epidemiology of foodborne diseases; Validated analytical methods; Process and technologies to control hazards; and Consumer perception, beliefs, and practices. Such information is necessary to make decisions concerning food safety and public health. Food Safety Laws Food Safety Act of 2013 Republic Act 10611 (RA No. 10611), otherwise known as the Food Safety Act (FSA) of 2013, was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on June 5, 2013, and signed by former President Benigno Aquino III on 23 August of the same year. The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) was released by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Health (DOH) on 20 February 2015. RA 10611 is an act to strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the Philippines to protect consumer health, facilitate market access to local food and food products, and other purposes. Objectives of the Act To strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country, the State shall adopt the following specific objectives: (a) Protect the public from foodborne and waterborne illnesses and unsanitary, unwholesome, misbranded, or adulterated food; (b) Enhance industry and consumer confidence in the food regulatory system; and (c) Achieve economic growth and development by promoting fair trade practices and a sound regulatory foundation for domestic and international trade. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 2 of 13  TH2203 Implementing and Regulatory Agencies (Policy Advocacy Group of DOST-PCAARRD, 2019) The primarily responsible departments for implementing the law are the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the local government units (LGUs). The DA is tasked with developing and enforcing food safety standards and regulations for food items in the supply chain’s primary production and post-harvest stages. Under the DA, food safety regulatory functions are bestowed on agencies specializing in various commodities. Some of these agencies under DA are the following: Bureau of Animal Industry – Food derived from animals, including eggs and honey National Dairy Authority – Milk production and post-harvest handling National Meat Inspection Service – Meats On the other hand, agencies under the DOH are mainly responsible for the safety of processed and pre- packaged food items and conducting monitoring and epidemiological studies on foodborne diseases. Some of these agencies under the DOH are: Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Regulation and Research – It implements a performance- based food safety control system. Bureau of Quarantine – It ensures food safety in domestic and international ports and airports of entry. National Epidemiology Center – It conducts and documents epidemiological monitoring studies on foodborne illnesses for use in policy formulation. Meanwhile, DILG supervises the enforcement of food safety and sanitary rules and regulations and the inspection and compliance of business establishments and facilities within its territorial jurisdiction in collaboration with the DA, DOH, and other government agencies. DILG also supports the DA and DOH in collecting and documenting foodborne illness data, monitoring, and research. Lastly, LGUs enforce the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (Presidential Decree No. 856, December 23, 1975), food safety standards, and food safety regulations in their territorial jurisdiction. They are responsible for sanitation in public markets, slaughterhouses, micro and small food processing establishments, and public eating places (Food Safety Act of 2013). Highlights of the Act The following are some of the important elements of the law: Use of science-based risk analysis in food safety regulation The setting of food safety standards based on existing Philippine National Standards, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and other international standards Identified responsibilities of Food Business Operators and government agencies Skills training on safe food handling for food business operators and food handlers Establishment of the Food Safety Regulation Coordinating Board (FSRCB) to monitor and coordinate the performance and implementation of the mandates of the DOH, DA, DILG, and the LGUs in food safety regulation Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (1975) The Code on Sanitation of the Philippines, also known as the Presidential Decree No. 856 (PD No. 856), was promulgated on December 23, 1975, by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. The Code on Sanitation aims to improve the way of the Filipinos by directing public health services toward protecting and promoting people's health. The DOH is responsible for the proper implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the Code. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 3 of 13  TH2203 The Code includes sanitation standards for the following hospitality and tourism industry-related businesses: Food establishments Rest areas, bus terminals, bus stops, and service stations Camps and picnic grounds Hotels, motels and apartments, boarding, tenement houses, and condominiums Port, airport, vessel, and aircraft sanitation The sanitation standards for the abovementioned establishments include: Requiring the establishment to secure a sanitary permit from the local health office Requiring employees to undergo health certification Specifying structural requirements Setting control measures in sanitizing tools, equipment, and work areas Procedures in disposing of refuse References: Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. (2020, March 24). Food. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/food Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme. (2001). Codex Alimentarius Commission – Procedural Manual (12th ed.). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Motarjemi, Y. and Lelieveld, H. (Eds.). (2014). Food safety management: A practical guide for the food industry. Academic Press Public Advocacy Group of DOST-PCAARRD. (April 2019) Policy brief: Readiness of commodity stakeholders and regulatory agencies in implementing the food safety law. Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Food Safety Act of 2013. R. A. No. 10611. (2013). https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/08/23/republic-act-no- 10611/ Code on Sanitation of the Philippines. P. D. no. 856 (1975). https://doh.gov.ph/node/5731 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 1 of 13  TH2203 FOOD HAZARDS Hazards and Contamination Contamination refers to the unintended presence of harmful organisms or substances in food (Labensky et al., 2018). Most foodborne illnesses are the result of eating contaminated food. Food is contaminated if it contains harmful substances not originally present in it. Any substance in food that can cause illness, injury, or harm is called a hazard (Gisslen, 2015). There are four (4) types of food hazards: biological hazards, chemical hazards, physical hazards, and allergens. A biological hazard is a danger to food safety caused by disease-causing microorganisms such as bacteria, molds, yeasts, viruses, or fungi. Chemical hazard is a danger to food safety caused by chemical substances, especially cleaning agents, pesticides, and toxic metals. Physical hazard refers to a danger to food safety caused by particles such as glass chips, metal shavings, bits of wood, or other foreign matter. An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction. Contamination occurs in two (2) ways: direct contamination and cross-contamination. Direct contamination is the contamination of raw food items or the plants or animals from which they come, in their natural settings or habitats. Chemical and biological contaminants, such as bacteria and fungi, are present in the air, soil, and water. So, food items can be easily contaminated by their general exposure to the environment ¾ grains can become contaminated by soil fumigants in the field, and shellfish can become contaminated by ingesting toxic marine algae (Labensky et al., 2018). Most food contamination occurs due to cross-contamination, or the transference of hazardous substances, mainly microorganisms, to food from another food or surface such as equipment, worktables, or hands. Examples of situations in which cross-contamination can occur are the following (Labensky et al., 2018): Mixing contaminated leftovers with a freshly cooked batch of food Handling ready-to-eat food with unclean hands Handling several types of food without washing hands in between Cutting raw chicken then using the same unsanitized cutting board to cut vegetables Placing ready-to-eat food on a lower refrigerator shelf and allowing juices from raw fish or meat to drip on it from an upper shelf Wiping down work surfaces with a soiled cloth Consumption of contaminated food causes foodborne illnesses. Foodborne illnesses refer to diseases, usually either infectious or toxic, caused by agents that enter the body through the ingestion/consumption of contaminated food (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). Some of the common foodborne illnesses and their causes are shown in Table 1 (US Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2019). Table 1 Common Foodborne illnesses Organism Name of Illness Sources Bacillus Cereus B. Cereus Food Meats Poisoning Campylobacter jejuni Campylobacteriosis Raw and undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk Clostridium Botulinum Botulism Improperly canned food Escherichia Coli Travelers’ diarrhea Water or food contaminated with human feces Hepatitis A Hepatitis Raw produce, contaminated water, uncooked/improperly reheated food Listeria Monocytogenes Listeriosis Unpasteurized dairy products, ready-to-eat deli meats 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 2 of 13  TH2203 Organism Name of Illness Sources Noroviruses Viral gastroentiritis Raw produce, contaminated water, uncooked/improperly reheated food Salmonella Salmonellosis Eggs, poultry Staphylococcus Aureus Staph food poisoning Unrefrigerated meats Shigella Shigellosis or Bacillary Raw produce, contaminated water, dysentery uncooked/improperly reheated food Lifted and modified from What you need to know about foodborne illnesses (2019). US Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/what-you-need-know-about-foodborne- illnesses The most common signs and symptoms when afflicted with these foodborne illnesses are abdominal cramps, watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and fever. In some worst cases, people experience weakened immune systems, kidney failure, respiratory failure, stillbirth, meningitis, and death (US FDA, 2019). An incident is considered a foodborne disease outbreak if two (2) or more people experience a similar illness after eating a common food (US FDA, n.d.). Biological Hazards The most common biological hazard is bacteria in food. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms. Some bacteria are beneficial, like those that aid in the digestion of food or those used in making cheese and yogurt. Bacteria that are dangerous when consumed by humans are called pathogens (Labensky et al., 2018). Pathogens cause foodborne illnesses in three (3) ways (Gisslen, 2016): Intoxications (food poisoning) occur when a pathogen produces a toxin(s) while growing in food before it is eaten. Upon consumption of a sufficient quantity of “poisoned food,” the host becomes ill. Botulism and staphylococcal food poisoning are the best-known foodborne intoxications. Viruses and parasites do not cause intoxication. Infections are caused when viable food pathogens survive through the host’s stomach into the intestine. Some bacteria, all viruses, and parasites cause illness via infection. Toxin-mediated infection is caused by eating food that contains harmful microorganisms that will produce a toxin once inside the human body. The reproduction of bacteria and the increase in the number of organisms is called bacterial Figure 1 growth. When bacteria are moved from one Bacterial Growth Curve place to another, they require time to adjust to new conditions and grow. This resting period, during which very little growth occurs, is known as the lag phase and may last from 1 - 4 hours. It is followed by the log phase, a period of accelerated growth, and then by the stationary phase, which lasts until the bacteria crowd others within their colony, creating competition for food, space, and moisture. This begins the decline or negative-growth phase, during which bacteria die at an accelerated rate (Labensky et al., 2018). The rate of bacterial growth is represented in Figure 1. Lifted from On Cooking: A Textbook of Culinary 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 3 of 13  TH2203 Fundamentals (p. 61) by S. R. Labensky, A. M. Hause, and Martel, P. A. (5th Ed., 2018). Copyright 2018 by Pearson. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 4 of 13  TH2203 Certain conditions in food allow for bacterial growth. These conditions are (Gisslen, 2016): ✓ Food. A suitable food supply is an essential condition needed for bacterial growth. Most bacteria prefer food high in protein or carbohydrates like meats, poultry, seafood, dairy products, and cooked rice, beans, and potatoes. ✓ Acidity. Most food items are acidic and have a pH of less than 7.0. The pH symbol is used to designate the acidity or alkalinity of a food. pH is measured on a scale that ranges from zero to 14. Very acidic food (pH below 4.6) like lemon, limes, and tomatoes will not normally support/slow down the growth rate of disease-causing bacteria. Most bacteria prefer a neutral environment (pH of 7.0) but can grow in food items with a pH of 4.6 to 9.0. A pH above 7.0 indicates that a food is alkaline, like olives, egg whites, or soda crackers. Hence, disease- causing bacteria grow best when the food it lives on has a pH of 4.6 to 7.0, like meat, fish, and milk. ✓ Temperature. All bacteria do not have the same temperature requirements for growth. Most disease- causing bacteria can grow within a temperature range of 41°F to 135°F (5°C to 57°C), most commonly referred to as the food Temperature Danger Zone (TDZ). Temperature abuse is applied to food items that have not been heated to a safe temperature or kept at an improper temperature. ✓ Time. Under ideal conditions, bacterial cells can double in number every 15 to 30 minutes. For most bacteria, a single cell can generate over one (1) million cells in just five (5) hours. A rule of thumb in the foodservice industry is that bacteria need about four (4) hours to grow to high enough numbers to cause illness. ✓ Oxygen. Bacteria also differ in their requirements for oxygen. However, controlling oxygen conditions may not be an effective way to prevent foodborne illness. Regardless of available oxygen, some disease-causing bacteria will find the conditions suitable for growth. ✓ Moisture. Like most other life forms, moisture is essential in bacterial growth. Scientists have determined that it is not the percentage of moisture or “water by volume” in food that most affects bacterial growth. Instead, it is the amount of “available water” or water available for bacterial activity. Water activity (Aw) is a measure of the amount of water that is not bound to the food and is, therefore, available for bacterial growth. Aw is measured on a scale of 0-1.0. Disease-causing bacteria can only grow in food items with an Aw higher than 0.85. The best way to prevent bacterial intoxications and infections is to attack the factors bacteria need to survive and multiply. Other biological hazards are viruses, parasites, and fungi: Viruses are much smaller than bacteria, and these require a living host (human, animal) in which to grow and reproduce. Viruses do not multiply in food. However, a susceptible person can experience an infection with only a few viral particles consumed (Gisslen, 2016). Parasites are microscopic creatures that need to live on or inside a living host to survive. They take nourishment from their host. Parasitic infection is far less common than bacterial or viral foodborne illnesses (Gisslen, 2016). Fungi range from single-celled to multicellular organisms. These include yeasts, molds, mildews, and mushrooms. Some fungi are harmless to humans, while some can cause diseases. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 5 of 13  TH2203 Chemical and Physical Hazards (Gisslen, 2016) Some kinds of chemical poisoning are caused by using defective or improper equipment or equipment handled improperly. Other chemical contamination can result from exposure of food items to chemicals used in commercial food-service establishments. Examples include cleaning compounds, polishing compounds, and insecticides. Prevent contamination by keeping these items physically separated from food. Do not use them around food. Examples of physical contaminants include pieces of glass from a broken container, metal shavings from an improperly opened can, stones from poorly sorted dried beans, soil from badly washed vegetables, insects or insect parts, and hair. Proper food handling is necessary to avoid physical contamination. Proper Food Handling Temperature and Time The two (2) major sanitation problems when handling and preparing food are cross-contamination and the TDZ. Food should be kept out of the TDZ whenever possible. The 10 common causes of foodborne illnesses are: ▪ Improper cooling ▪ Contaminated raw food or ingredient ▪ Advance preparation ▪ Unsafe sources ▪ Infected person ▪ Use of leftovers ▪ Inadequate reheating for hot holding ▪ Cross-contamination ▪ Improper hot holding ▪ Inadequate cooking Because of the lag phase, food items can be in the TDZ for very short periods during preparation without an unacceptable increase in bacterial growth. However, exposure to the TDZ is cumulative and should not exceed four (4) hours. The less time food is in the TDZ, the less opportunity bacteria can multiply. As a rule, keep hot food hot, cold food cold, and frozen food frozen (Labensky et al., 2016). Table 2 highlights the common temperatures that food handlers must be aware of most of the time. Table 2 Important Temperatures to Remember Celsius Fahrenheit Description 100°C 212°F Water boils 74°C and above 165°F and above Cooking temperature range; most disease-causing organisms are killed in a few minutes 57-74°C 135-165°F Hot food holding temperature range; bacteria do not multiply, but most are not killed 5-57°C 41-135°F Temperature danger zone; bacteria multiply rapidly 0-5°C 41-32°F Cold food storage/refrigeration; food is safe for a short period/little bacterial growth 0°C 32°F Water freezes -18-0°C 0-32°F Subfreezing; bacteria do not grow, but most are not killed -18°C and below 0°F and below Freezer storage; bacteria do not grow, but most are not killed—best temperatures for frozen food storage Adapted from Essentials of Professional Cooking (p. 18) by W. Gisslen (2nd Ed., 2015). Copyright 2015 by Wiley To ensure that food items being cooked are safe, they must reach their minimum internal cooking temperature. Minimum internal cooking temperature is the internal temperature for a food product at which microorganisms are killed. The product must be held at that temperature for a specified period to be safe. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 6 of 13  TH2203 Each food item has a different minimum internal cooking temperature (Gisslen, 2016). Some of these are: For beef, pork, veal, or lamb: Cook to 145°F/63°C for four (4) minutes. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 7 of 13  TH2203 For eggs: Cook until the yolk and white are firm OR cook to 145°F/63°C for 15 seconds. For fish and shellfish: Cook to 145°F/63°C for 15 seconds; shells should open. For poultry or wild game: Cook to 165°F/74°C for 15 seconds. Safe Food Handling Guidelines (Gisslen, 2016) ✓ Start with clean, wholesome, or fresh food items from reputable suppliers. Buy government-inspected meats, poultry, fish, dairy, and egg products whenever applicable. ✓ Handle food as little as possible. Use clean tongs, spatulas, or other utensils instead of hands when practical. ✓ Use clean, sanitized equipment and worktables. ✓ Clean and sanitize cutting surfaces and equipment after handling raw poultry, meat, fish, or eggs and before working on another food item. ✓ Use different chopping boards for different items to avoid cross-contamination. Generally, chopping boards are color-coded as red for raw meats, yellow for raw poultry, blue for fish and shellfish, green for vegetables and fruits, white for dairy products, and brown for cooked food. Commercial kitchens may use a different color-coding scheme depending on their needs. ✓ Clean as you go. Do not wait until the end of the workday. Keep clean clothes and sanitizing solutions handy at workstations and use them often. ✓ Wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly. ✓ When bringing food items out of refrigeration, do not bring out more than what can be processed in an hour. ✓ Keep food covered unless for immediate use. ✓ Limit the time that the food spends in the TDZ. Observe the four-hour rule. ▪ Four-hour rule: Do not let food remain in the TDZ for a cumulative total of more than four (4) hours between receiving and serving. ✓ Taste food properly. With a ladle or other serving implement, transfer a small amount of the food to a small dish. Then, taste the sample using a clean spoon. After tasting, do not use either the dish or the spoon again. Send it to the dishwashing station or, if using disposables, discard it. ✓ Boil leftover gravies, sauces, soups, and vegetables before serving. ✓ Do not mix leftovers with freshly prepared food items. ✓ Chill all ingredients for protein salads and potato salads before combining. ✓ Cool and chill food quickly and correctly. Chill custards, cream fillings, and other hazardous food items as soon as possible by pouring these into shallow, sanitized pans, covering, and refrigerating them. Packaging Prepared Food Food packaging comes in different materials like paper and paperboard, metals, glass, and plastics. Packaging should function as (Sedlacekova, 2017): Containment – Conceal product and its parts and prevent them from spillage and loss, starting from the packing line through transportation phases until it arrives at the customer’s home. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 8 of 13  TH2203 Protection – Prevent outside forces like temperature, humidity, contact, and potential hazards from intervening with the product inside. Preservation – Keep products in a controlled environment to remain safe for longer use. Convenience – The product should be convenient to carry, transport, and open while safely maintaining inside items. Information – This contains data for tracking, product information, and marketing and brand information. Materials used for packaging food should be suitable for food contact to ensure that they do not contain any chemicals that may leach into the food. According to Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, to prevent risks and hazards when packaging food, a food business must: ✓ Only use packaging materials that are fit for their intended use. ✓ Only use a material that is not likely to cause food contamination. ✓ Ensure that there is no likelihood that the food may become contaminated during the packaging process. Handling Convenience Food Items (Gisslen, 2016) Convenience food is any food product that has been partially or completely prepared or processed by a manufacturer. Processed food for restaurants and institutions ranges from partially prepared items that can be used as components in recipes, such as frozen fish fillets, peeled potatoes, concentrated stock bases, and frozen puff pastry doughs, to fully prepared items that only need to be reconstituted or served as is, such as frozen prepared entrées and frozen pies and pastries. There is no substitute for quality and care, no matter what products are used. Fresh product is potentially the best, but not if it is badly stored or handled. Similarly, convenience food items also require proper handling to maintain their quality. Guidelines for Handling Convenience Food ✓ Handle with the same care as fresh, raw ingredients. Most loss of quality in convenience food comes from assuming that these are damage-proof and can be treated haphazardly. ✓ Examine as soon as received. Particularly, check frozen food with a thermometer to ensure it did not thaw in transit. ✓ Store properly. Frozen food must be held at -18°C (0°F) or lower. Regularly check the freezer with a thermometer. To slow spoilage, refrigerated food items must stay chilled or below 5°C (41°F). Shelf- stable food items (e.g., dry products, canned goods) are stable only when tightly sealed and stored properly in a cool, dry place. ✓ Know the shelf life of each product. Nothing lasts forever—not even convenience food items. Rotate stock according to the first in, first out principle*. Do not stock more than necessary. *First In, First Out (FIFO) is a storing method or principle where deliveries or stocks are rotated to ensure that the old ones are used first. Old stocks are moved out of storage, and new deliveries are placed first (at the back or last part) in the storage. Then, old stocks are returned and placed last (in front). ✓ Defrost frozen food properly. Ideally, defrost in a tempering box set at -2°C to -1°C (28°F to 30°F) or in the refrigerator at 5°C (41°F) or lower. This takes planning and timing because large items take several days to thaw. If short of time, the second-best way to defrost food is under cold running water in its original wrapper. Do not defrost at room temperature or in warm water. The high temperatures 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 9 of 13  TH2203 encourage bacterial growth and spoilage. Do not freeze thawed food, for its quality will greatly deteriorate. ✓ Know how and to what extent the product has been prepared. Partially cooked food needs less heating in the final preparation than raw food. Manufacturers indicate full directions and serving suggestions for their products on their labels. Consumers must read and follow the package directions. ✓ Use proper cooking methods. Be flexible when needed. Most modern pieces of equipment are designed especially for convenience food. Do not restrict to conventional ranges and ovens if compartment steamers or microwave ovens can do a better and more efficient job. ✓ Treat convenience food as though you, not the manufacturer, did the preparation. Make the most of the opportunity to use one’s creativity to serve the best quality products. The final preparation, plating, and garnish should be done carefully as if the dishes were all made from scratch. References: Gisslen, W. (2015). Essentials of professional cooking (2nd Ed.). Wiley. Labensky, S.R., Martel, P.A., & Hause, A.M. (2018). On Cooking: A textbook of culinary fundamentals (6th Ed.). Pearson. Sedlacekova, Z. (6 November 2017). Food packaging materials: Comparison of materials used for packaging purposes (Baccalaureate thesis). Retrieved from http://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/1371943 US Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Outbreaks of foodborne illness. Retrieved on July 21, 2022, from https://www.fda.gov/food/recalls-outbreaks-emergencies/outbreaks-foodborne- illness#:~:text=When%20two%20or%20more%20people,from%20happening%20in%20the%20future. World Health Organization. (May 19, 2022). Foodsafety. Retrieved on July 21, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/food- safety#:~:text=Foodborne%20illnesses%20are%20usually%20infectious,term%20diseases%2C%20suc h%20as%20cancer US Food and Drug Administration. (2019). What You Need to Know about Foodborne Illnesses. Fda.gov. Retrieved on July 22, 2022, from https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/what-you-need-know-about- foodborne-illnesses 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 10 of 13