In order to maintain food safety, it is necessary to understand all forms of contamination and how to prevent them. Foreign objects can include debris under a food’s surface and bacteria. These contaminants may not be visible to the naked eye, and they can be present in varying degrees. Foods should be separated from raw and cooked materials to avoid contamination of the latter. Additionally, food should be stored at the appropriate temperature for the appropriate time. If any food is suspected of being contaminated, it should be immediately discarded and checked for additional contamination.
There are several federal agencies that oversee food safety. The FDA, for example, is responsible for regulating meat and poultry products. Other federal agencies regulate processed eggs and meat. And they’re responsible for virtually every other food, like milk and cheese. And while FDA is the federal agency responsible for food safety, there are other agencies that play supporting roles in the regulation of food. A good handout to give to members of a group can make the process more enjoyable.
Despite the high quality of food supply, the prevalence of foodborne illness is a major public health issue. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foodborne illnesses result in 48 million sickened people every year and result in twelve to three thousand deaths. The food safety standards of these establishments can help prevent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses and allergen cross-contamination. For instance, third-party companies can assess the food safety standards of a restaurant or food processing facility to ensure that foodborne illnesses are not spread.
