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Food safety

Food - hygiene and sanitation

 

Food safety refers to the conditions and practices that preserve the quality of food. These practices prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses.

Function

 

Food can be contaminated in many different ways. Some food products may already contain bacteria or parasites. These germs can be spread during the packaging process if the food products are not handled properly. Improperly cooking, preparing, or storing food can also cause contamination.

Properly handling, storing, and preparing food greatly reduces the risk of getting foodborne illnesses.

 

Food Sources

 

All foods can become contaminated. Higher risk foods include red meats, poultry, eggs, cheese, dairy products, raw sprouts, and raw fish or shellfish.

 

Side Effects

 

Poor food safety practices can lead to foodborne illness. Symptoms of foodborne illnesses vary. They usually include stomach problems or stomach upset. Foodborne illnesses may be severe and fatal. Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people who have a weakened immune system are especially at risk.

 

Recommendations

 

If your hands have any cuts or sores, wear gloves suitable for handling food or avoid preparing food. To reduce your risk of foodborne illness you should wash your hands thoroughly:

  • Before and after handling any food
  • After using the bathroom or changing diapers
  • After touching animals

To avoid cross-contaminating food items you should:

  • Wash all cutting boards and utensils with hot water and soap after preparing each food item.
  • Separate meat, poultry, and seafood from other foods during preparation.

To reduce chances of food poisoning, you should:

  • Cook food to the correct temperature. Check the temperature with an internal thermometer at the thickest point, never on the surface. Poultry, all ground meats, and all stuffed meats should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (73.8°C). Seafood and steaks or chops or roasts of red meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (62.7°C). Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of least 165°F (73.8°C). Cook eggs until the white and yolk are firm. Fish should have an opaque appearance and flake easily.
  • Refrigerate or freeze food promptly. Store food at the right temperature as quickly as possible after it is purchased. Buy your groceries at the end of running your errands rather than the beginning. Leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours of serving. Move hot foods into wide, flat containers so that they can cool down more quickly. Keep frozen foods in the freezer until they are ready to be thawed and cooked. Thaw foods in the fridge or under cool running water (or in the microwave if the food is going to be cooked immediately after thawing); never thaw foods on the counter at room temperature.
  • Label leftovers clearly with the date they were prepared and stored.
  • Never cut mold off of any food and attempt to eat the parts that look "safe". The mold can extend further into the food than you can see.
  • Food can also be contaminated before it is purchased. Watch for and DO NOT buy or use outdated food, packaged food with a broken seal, or cans that have a bulge or dent. DO NOT use foods that have an unusual odor or appearance, or a spoiled taste.
  • Prepare home-canned foods in clean conditions. Be very careful during the canning process. Home-canned foods are the most common cause of botulism .

 

 

References

Mody RK, Griffin PM. Foodborne disease. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 103.

United States Department of Health and Human Services. Food safety: by types of foods. www.foodsafety.gov/keep/types/index.html . Accessed March 9, 2016.

United States Department of Agriculture. Food Safety and Inspection Service. Keeping food safe during an emergency. Updated July 30, 2013. www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/emergency-preparedness/keeping-food-safe-during-an-emergency/CT_Index . Accessed March 17, 2016.

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Talking to your MD

           

            Self Care

             

            Tests for Food safety

             

               

              Review Date: 1/31/2016

              Reviewed By: Emily Wax, RD, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

              The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

               
               
               

               

               

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