If you are lucky to discover any case of food contamination before consuming the food product, it is important that you report it right away to the right authorities. They have been a case of food contamination outbreaks in some countries in the recent past; it is unfortunate and sad because it most cases would have been prevented easily if the culprits completed a food handling course and actual implemented the knowledge while producing, preparing and packaging the food products. It is also the responsibility of the consumer to be aware of safer food handling procedures as this will not only help while repairing food but also while purchasing the food item. Which why it is imperative to always inspect food item before purchasing them and to report any sign of contamination while buying them so as to control it before it spreads to others.
Food handling course involve practicing measures to prevent or avoid food contamination during food production or preparation. Naturally, most food has the potential of breeding bacterial influx; therefore in order to control this issue, it is imperative to follow proper methods that aid in preserving food items in storage facilities. For instance, leftovers should be stored in air tight lid plastics in the refrigerator to protect the food from cross contamination. Bacteria are airborne, thus it is important to keep them in the container preventing them from spreading to other food item in the refrigerator.
Temperature is one of the most important elements of safe food handling practices. It is important to be attentive to temperature when it comes to cooking and storing food. If food is not cooked at the right temperature, bacteria that should have naturally been killed in the process will remain alive and pose a danger to the consumer. This also applies to storing the food; if food is not stored properly at the right temperature, it will be exposed to bacterial infection and cross contamination. Generally, as long as food is cooked properly and store properly, it will be safe for consumption.
Hygiene is another important element covered in food handling courses. Clinical research report that workers in the food service industry are just as ignorant of some causes of food-borne diseases as every other individual who cooks at all. The typical causes of food-borne diseases boils down to not cooking food properly, not storing food properly and not washing hands or any other utensils used for preparing food before and while preparing food. In ensuring that food is safe for consumption, it is important to follow proper hygiene such as washing of hands. Poor hygiene usually leads to food contamination which off course is dangerous to the health, sometimes fatal. It is sad to know that most people in the food service industry still don’t practice good hygiene despite the consequences.
Everyone working in a food service establishment whether as a Chef, waiter and the like who will need to handle food at one point or the other should complete a food handling course. Regardless of whether you work in a public, private sector or just volunteering or even individuals who cook at home need adequate food handling course knowledge.