Ensuring food safety is a fundamental responsibility for all food and beverage establishments. The cost of food safety failures can be high. For customers, foodborne illnesses can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to life-threatening. For businesses, they may face fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage if they are found to be responsible for a foodborne illness outbreak. The most reliable way to prevent this is to make sure all your employees are properly trained in a food safety course.
With all this in mind, there are a number of things that food businesses can do to improve food safety. Here are 6 valuable tips to enhance food safety practices within your establishment.
1. Regular Handwashing
Handwashing is important because it prevents the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses, safeguarding food from contamination. All employees should wash their hands before handling food, after using the restroom, and whenever hands might be contaminated. To wash their hands properly they must use soap and warm water, scrub for at least 20 seconds, and dry with a clean towel or air dryer.
2. Personal Hygiene Practices
Employees should also keep their clothing clean and hair tied back: Loose hair and dirty clothing can introduce contaminants. Additionally, avoid wearing jewelry and watches, as these items can harbor bacteria. They should also cover cuts and scrapes using waterproof bandages to prevent wound contamination.
3. Food Handling Practices
Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from other foods to prevent cross-contamination. Food handlers should use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods. These foods must also be cooked to the proper internal temperature. And on the flipside must be refrigerated promptly when stored to prevent bacterial growth. Proper food handling practices will be covered in detail in most food safety courses.
4. Cleaning and Sanitation
Clean and sanitize food contact surfaces regularly to prevent the growth and spread of harmful microorganisms. You should also use proper cleaning and sanitizing chemicals, while also storing them safely, away from food and in a designated storage area.
5. Pest Control
In order to keep pests out of your establishment you can seal cracks, store food properly, and maintain cleanliness. It is also important to inspect your premises regularly for pests as catching issues early prevents infestations.If an infestation is found you should treat it immediately – it is best to hire professionals to address pest problems promptly.
6. Training
Most importantly you should train all food handlers on food safety practices. With a reliable food safety course you can ensure your staff is knowledgeable about proper food safety procedures. It is also prudent to provide refresher training on a regular basis in order to keep your team up-to-date on the latest food safety guidelines.
Be Confident in Your Safety with a Food Safety Course
When it comes to food safety, it’s best not to risk the health of your customers, or the success of your business. By enrolling yourself or your employees in a food safety course, you can be sure that the proper practices are being carried out. These courses can provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to maintain the highest standards of food safety in your establishment. If you are looking for a food hygiene course in Singapore, consider a recognised company like Assure Safety.
