Food Safety For All
If you are cooking within a commercial environment it is vital that acceptable levels of food hygiene are maintained. Food safety is mandatory and the basic rules must be strictly adhered to in order to ensure that meals prepared for customers are fit for consumption and will not endanger health. If you are cooking at home then following the same guidelines is just as important for your families health so protect yourselves and make sure you are aware of potential dangers.
Food Safety revolves around ensuring that raw and cooked ingredients are stored and handled in a safe way so that harmful bacteria do not develop which can make people ill if they are consumed. Keeping food correctly also maximises shelf life and taste quality so that food does not go ‘off’ unnecessarily or quickly and therefore will help you to minimise waste. When cooking, attention should be paid to the use of equipment – separating chopping boards and knives for raw meat and vegetables for example, and the temperature food is cooked at is also very important. If you are unsure then always consult an authority on the subject.
Business owners within the catering profession who employ food-handling staff should always make sure that they are aware of the latest industry standards which are a legal requirement for operating this type of company. Check government advice if you are unaware of your obligations and make sure that any omissions are corrected immediately. To make the grade the courses you choose should ideally be CPD certified and therefore meet the universally accepted Continuous Professional Development (CPD) guidelines. Check with your provider before you part with any fees and make sure they are a genuine option to trust with educating your key people: your staff.
As an individual the best way to make sure that you are operating safely is to acquire a Food Hygiene Certificate. There are courses readily available at times to suit most people and the requirements of the basic course are well within the reach of most individuals. Check out online providers to find the best, properly certified course in your locality and make it a priority to achieve the award at your earliest opportunity. For staff working in food handling environments your company is likely to cover any costs incurred and may encourage further study too which will always enhance your future career. Take food hygiene seriously and make sure that at home as well as at work you are confident that you can cook safely.