Millions of people in the world fall ill or die due to food-borne illnesses caused
by consuming contaminated food. It is imperative that contamination of food is prevented by following food safety practices. Food safety includes proper preparation, handling and storage of food so as to prevent food borne illness. The Food service industry is one such sector where food safety practices need to be followed diligently. Several institutions conduct a food safe course for the food service industry.
Why are food safe courses needed for the food service industry?
Food service industry includes those places outside the home where food is prepared and served. Restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, school & college canteens, catering services and such other businesses fall under the category of food service industry. Such businesses are required to follow food safety norms strictly and ensure that their customers are protected from eating contaminated food. Therefore, food safe course is needed to avoid causing food poisoning to customers and get into trouble.
What can be the causes of food contamination?
1) Biological pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and toxins. E. Coli and Staphylococcus are some of the most common bacteria causing food poisoning.
2) Physical agents such as dust particles, hair, glass pieces, jewelry items, fingernails and other such objects.
3) Chemicals such as cleaning liquids, pesticides and insecticides.
Presence of any of these elements in food can cause severe food poisoning that turns to be even death. Abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, fever, diarrhea and headache are some of the symptoms of food poisoning.
Who needs food safe courses?
Persons employed in food service should be aware about food-borne illness, causes of food contamination, how to follow food safety norms and prevent food poisoning. Anyone who prepares and serves food must follow food safety practices for protection of the customers. The cooks, the helpers, the serving staff, all need the food safe course.
What are the topics covered in food safe courses for the food service industry?
Food safe course teaches about how food poisoning occurs, how they can be prevented, and what are the incorrect and correct ways for handling food. These are the important aspects of safe food practices which everyone working in the food service industry must know.
Food safe course for the food service industry covers the following topics:
1) Knowledge about how microorganisms cause food contamination.
2) Maintenance of proper sanitation and overall cleanliness.
3) Maintenance of employee responsibilities and personal hygiene.
4) Following safe practices while:
A) Receiving food material.
B) Storage and preservation of food.
C) Preparation and processing of food.
D) Thawing and reheating of food.
E) Serving of food.
Above safety norms help to prevent any injury to workers while working.
Thus, we can see that Food safe course for the food service industry is very comprehensive and provide in-depth knowledge and training about above food safety practices to prevent food borne illnesses.