Food safety is an important issue for everyone, and it’s essential to stay up-to-date on current protocols and regulations to protect yourself, your family, public health, and your food service operation. Keeping informed on the latest food safety information can help reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Here are just a few reasons why you should stay updated on food safety information.
1. Regulations and Guidelines
First, it’s important to be aware of the various regulations and guidelines that are outlined to ensure safe food handling. This includes guidelines for proper storage temperatures, labeling requirements, and the use of sanitizing agents. Knowing and following these protocols can help you avoid potential problems with your food. Your state may also have specific food safety regulations that you should be aware of.
2. Foodborne Illness Prevention
Staying up-to-date on food safety protocols can help you prevent serious foodborne illnesses and the spread of disease. In food service, you must understand how to prevent contamination by salmonella,
E. coli, and other bacteria that can cause serious health complications. For example, your team should understand why you shouldn’t cut meat and vegetables on the same chopping board as this can lead to contamination.
3. FDA Violations
It’s also important to stay informed of the latest food safety regulations because violating them can result in serious consequences. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) takes violations very seriously. If you violate food safety regulations, you could face a warning, criminal prosecution, or even a fine of up to $500,000. You may also have to recall affected products, costing your business money and reputation.
4. Consumer Confidence
Not only does staying up-to-date on food safety protocols benefit you and your family personally, but it can also provide confidence for consumers that the products they are buying are safe. When people know that food is being properly handled and stored, it builds trust in the food industry. People will feel more comfortable eating out and indulging at restaurants. This confidence serves as a benefit to your food establishment.
Staying up-to-date on protocols can help you avoid potential problems with foodborne illnesses. Following FDA and local regulations and guidelines will save your business from producing harmful products and damaging your reputation. Contact the team at TSC Associates about ServSafe training so we can help keep get your business on current with proper food safety training.
