Food Flow Process
Controlling Costing
Receiving
the first step in the process that we'll examine. It begins when the truck pulls up at the door. A visual inspection should reveal any obvious problems like dented cans and broken packaging, and a good operation will reject damaged or inferior foods.
Storing
(the next step in the food flow process) food may include long-term (less than four days, in most cases) refrigeration, as well as the immediate storage for foods that will be used that day or the next.
Prepartion
is the third step in the food flow process; includes cutting and mixing, as well as cleaning of utensils and other equipment (meat slicers) and all food preparation surfaces.
Cooking
There's an old saying that "everyone in the kitchen contaminates food, but the cook makes it safe." There is some truth to that because proper cooking kills the microorganisms.The problem arises when food is not cooked to the proper temperature, or is reheated improperly, or is cooled too slowly after heating. Customers who like their hamburgers "rare" or "steak tartare" or even a soft-boiled egg in some places, are out of luck, for food safety reasons.
Holding
The most common cause of mass outbreaks of foodborne illness in recent years, according to the Centers for Disease Control, was improper holding temperatures. That fact should be of importance to everyone in the kitchen.
Serving
The critical issue in the next step of the food flow process, serving, is the personal hygiene of the wait staff, although the same hygiene standards hold true for everyone in the food flow process.
Chilling
Cold temperatures slow the growth of illness causing bacteria. So it’s important to chill food promptly and properly.
You can freeze almost any food. That doesn’t mean that the food will be good to eat – or safe.
Reheating
Cover leftovers to reheat. This retains moisture and ensures that foodwill heat all the way through. When reheating in the microwave, cover and rotate the food for even heating. Arrange food items evenly in a covered microwave safe glass or ceramic dish, and add some liquid if needed.