Food Safety
Better understanding
Discription
Food safety is a scientific discipline describing handling, preparation, and storage of food in ways that prevent foodborne illness. This includes a number of routines that should be followed to avoid potentially severe health hazards.
Advice
- Prevent contaminating food withpathogens spreading from people, pets, and pests.
- Separate raw and cooked foods to prevent contaminating the cooked foods.
- Cook foods for the appropriate length of time and at the appropriate temperature to kill pathogens.
- Store food at the proper temperature.
- Do use safe water and raw materials
Food Poisoning
Bacteria and Viruses
Bacteria and viruses are the most common cause of food poisoning. The symptoms and severity of food poisoning vary, depending on which bacteria or virus has contaminated the food.
Parasites
Parasites are organisms that derive nourishment and protection from other living organisms known as hosts. In the United States, the most common foodborne parasites are protozoa, roundworms, and tapeworms
Allergens
Food allergy is an abnormal response to a food triggered by your body's immune system. Some foods, such as nuts, milk, eggs, or seafood, can cause allergic reactions in people with food allergies.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the biggest/most common mistake when it comes to food safety?
2. What are the "high risk" foods I should avoid?
3. How often should I wash my hands in order to remove germs?
4. How long do I need to wash my hands in order to remove germs?
5. Do anti-bacterial products clean and kill germs as well as washing with soap and water?
6. Are sponges safe to use?