Food Safety

Food is a fundamental necessity for human survival and well-being. It provides essential nutrients that our bodies need to function properly, which includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients support growth, repair tissues, and maintain overall health.

However, while food is essential, it can also pose significant risks if not handled, prepared, or stored correctly. According to The World Health Organization, about 420,000 people die each year from contaminated food (Food Safety Africa). This is why food safety and hygiene are important.

‘Prepare for the unexpected”; emphasizes the importance of anticipating and addressing unforeseen food safety challenges.

Food Safety/Hygiene

Food safety / hygiene refers to the conditions and measures necessary to ensure the safety of food from production to consumption. It encompasses everything from the handling, preparation, and storage of food to the practices and protocols followed by food handlers to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses.

Food Hygiene Practices;

Food hygiene practices include;

Personal Hygiene

Washing of hands thoroughly with soap and water before, during and after handling food, after using the restroom, touching raw meat, or handling waste.
Wearing clean clothing and a hairnet or cap to prevent hair from falling into food, using gloves when handling ready-to-eat foods and changing them regularly to avoid cross-contamination.
Avoid handling food if you are sick, especially if you have symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, as these can easily spread to the food.

Safe Food Storage

Store perishable foods at the correct temperatures. You can refrigerate at 4°C (40°F) or below and freeze at -18°C (0°F) or below. Use thermometers to regularly check the temperatures of refrigerators and freezers.

Proper Organization:

Store raw foods, especially meats, separately from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.
Use airtight containers to store food and organize food storage areas so that older items are used before newer ones, preventing exposure to contaminants, pests and reducing the risk of spoilage.

Food Preparation

Clean and sanitize all surfaces, cutting boards, utensils, and equipment before and after use.
Use separate cutting boards for raw meats, vegetables, and ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination.
Ensure your food are properly washed and cooked to kill harmful bacteria.

Food Handling

Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave. Never defrost food at room temperature.
Marinated foods should be kept in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Discard used marinade or boil it before using it as a sauce to eliminate bacteria.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Establish and follow a regular cleaning schedule for kitchen areas, including floors, walls, and equipment.
Use appropriate cleaning agents and sanitizers that are safe for food contact surfaces.
Wash dishes and utensils in warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry properly.
Air-dry dishes and utensils rather than using a towel, which can spread bacteria.

Pest Control

Keep food storage and preparation areas clean and free from crumbs and spills that attract pests.
Seal cracks and openings in walls, doors, and windows to prevent pests from entering.

How can we prepare for the unexpected

Anticipate Risks: It is important to think ahead and anticipate potential food safety threats. This includes understanding the types of events (Infrastructure disruptions, Covid, Power outage for longer periods) that could occur and developing strategies to minimize their impact on food safety.

Consumer Awareness: Educating consumers about food safety practices is a very important and critical way to help prepare for the unexpected. Simple actions, such as proper food storage and handling, can greatly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses during unexpected situations listed above.

Stay Informed: Keep abreast of food safety alerts and recalls from relevant authorities to ensure that you are not using or consuming contaminated and expired products. Timely communication between sectors and Cross-border cooperation plays a significant role in managing food safety risks.

Food Safety Plan: For organizations and food sectors it is important to develop and implement a food safety plan that includes hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) to identify and mitigate potential risks.

As we put in these measures to prepare for the unexpected, it is also important that we know its benefits. These includes;

Preventing Foodborne Illnesses: Contaminated food can lead to foodborne illnesses, causing symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe, life-threatening conditions.

Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to foodborne illnesses.

Maintaining Food Quality: Good hygiene practices help maintain the quality and nutritional value of food, ensuring it is safe and enjoyable to consume.

Building Consumer Confidence: Ensuring high standards of food hygiene builds trust and confidence among consumers, essential for the reputation and success of food businesses which contributes to sustainable development.

When we fail to prepare for the unexpected, and maintain adequate food hygiene, it can lead to severe consequences which includes:

Food Contamination: Poor hygiene practices can lead to contamination by harmful microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi), chemical substances (pesticides, cleaning agents), or physical objects (glass, metal fragments).

Food Poisoning: Consumption of contaminated food can result in food poisoning, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Severe cases can lead to hospitalization or even death.

Economic Losses: Foodborne illnesses can lead to significant economic losses for food businesses due to product recalls, legal actions, and loss of consumer trust.

Public Health Risks: Widespread foodborne outbreaks can strain public health systems, causing widespread illness and impacting communities.

Chayim diagnostics is promoting more awareness on food safety and hygiene and encouraging Us to prepare for the unexpected.

Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected