Protecting the people in your restaurant from the risks of foodborne illnesses is essential to working in the food service industry. One of the most important things for you as a professional should be ensuring you are serving safe food.
Unfortunately, foodborne illnesses are a significant concern in the industry, with millions of cases occurring in the United States alone every year. After eating contaminated food, about 600 million at the global level become ill. On top of that, 420,000 people die from food safety issues every year.
In order to prevent any unfortunate consequences, understanding food principles and the ways to implement them is best.
Common Risks to Food Safety
In the food service industry, food safety is an aspect that comes as the number one priority. Moreover, the chain involves countless activities threatening food safety, from food storage to preparation. These threats can lead to a foodborne illness outbreak when ignored.
Here are the most common risks:
Bacteria
Bacteria is one of the biggest risks to food safety. Moreover, bacteria are everywhere, they are invisible to the naked eye. Hence, they can proliferate quickly under certain conditions, especially in food.
Salmonella
We are sure everyone knows the phrase, “Oh, he’s got Salmonella”. Well, it is one of the most common foodborne illnesses. Hence, they can be found in a range of foods, including poultry, meat, eggs, and dairy. Furthermore, when the food isn’t cooked correctly, that’s when the risk of contamination occurs.
Viruses
Viruses are tiny microorganisms that can cause illnesses in people. Moreover, they cannot live independently but need a hot to survive. Moreover, the viruses that can be present in food are spread through contamination by fecal matter due to improper hand washing.
So, what foods should we be aware of regarding the risk of viruses?
At the top of the list, we can see raw meat, poultry, and raw shellfish. Moreover, these foods contain bacteria but can also carry harmful viruses.
What Are Some Ways to Ensure Food Safety?
At RR Consulting Services, we tell you that food safety is one of the most essential aspects of the food service industry. Moreover, they can cause some serious health issues/. And, we need to watch out!
Clean Everything
Don’t leave any spot. Moreover, it is essential to clean everything as cleanliness is not just about hygiene; it is a critical part of food safety. Similarly, ensure your kitchen is spotlessly clean and everyone on the team has received training around food handling practices.
Utensils, kitchen counters, floors, windows, and everything else need to be squeaky clean.
Cook Well
Cooking is not just art, it’s science. Food that has been cooked well is amazing to eat. However, a slight mistake in the food can cause a big blunder. For example, an undercooked steak could harbor harmful bacteria.
Store Food Properly
The way you are storing food in the kitchen has a lot to do with the safety of the food. Moreover, each ingredient needs to be put where it belongs, at the right temperature.
