Meals are a vital component in our everyday lives. Not only do they offer the sustenance we need to carry on with our lives, but they are also a source of enjoyment and bonding. It can be easy to take food for granted. However, there is a lot that goes into food storage and preparation. There are also many hurdles when it comes to food safety. Here are some of the most prevalent challenges in food safety.
Contamination
Contamination is one challenge that affects food safety. It can happen at any stage of the food production and preparation process. There are many food contaminants, such as metals, chemicals, toxins, viruses, and bacteria. Eating contaminated food can cause various illnesses, from mild gastroenteritis to severe diseases such as hepatitis A or cholera. Due to this, food vendors must be trained on how to handle food properly within health guidelines. This is one of the many reasons why food industry workers turn to Servsafe for the training that they need.
Food Allergies
Allergies present another challenge in the area of food safety. Many people experience allergies to specific foods, such as shellfish or peanuts. These allergies can be very dangerous and even life-threatening in some scenarios. When someone with a food allergy consumes that allergen, they may experience swelling in the throat, abdominal pain, or itchy hives. In more severe cases, anaphylactic shock may occur, which can have fatal repercussions. Even the smallest amount of exposure can often lead to allergic reactions. For this reason, food allergies should be taken very seriously.
Spoilage
Food spoilage is a significant challenge to food safety. It often occurs when bacteria grow in food that is left out too long or in food that is not stored properly. According to the University of Minnesota, the first two hours after cooking are the most important, as the food is within the temperature range that microorganisms grow the quickest. Spoiled food can be unappetizing or even dangerous to consume. It also often has an unpleasant odor or appearance and may harbor harmful bacteria that can cause vomiting or diarrhea. A great way to prevent food spoilage is to arm yourself and your workers with the food safety training provided by ServSafe.
Poor Storage Conditions
Poor storage conditions are often to blame for foods becoming unsafe to eat before their expiration date. For instance, if you preserve meat in an area that has a warm temperature, it will encourage bacterial growth. On the other hand, if you store bread in an area with a cold temperature, it will go stale more quickly. For these reasons, it is crucial to understand how to properly store the various kinds of food that you are working with.
Food safety is important to keep your customers happy and healthy. Proper food safety not only protects your customers, it also leads to better service and food quality. For these reasons, learning proper food safety is crucial. If you are looking for some of the best food safety training around, consider ServSafe training and certification. It is a great way to ensure that you and your staff have the knowledge you need to keep your customers safe.
