Food Safety: A Global Public Health Threat

In a year, An estimated 1 out of 10 people will fall ill after eating contaminated food, with diarrheal diseases being the most common illness (WHO). The food sector today faces many challenges that may leave food vulnerable to contamination and other hazards, as it moves from country to country, or from farm to fork.

Food businesses have an overarching responsibility to ensure food safety by minimising exposure to foodborne pathogens and preventing subsequent illness.

How does food get contaminated?

Food contamination can occur at any point – during production, processing, distribution or preparation. The food might be contaminated by pests, improper sanitation and hygiene practices, incorrect storage, or even unsafe cooking habits.

Whatever the source, it’s important that effective sanitation and maintenance strategies are put in place to avoid losses from recalls, bad publicity associated with food-related incidents, and of course, to ensure the health and safety of consumers at large.

Food safety strategies

Only by implementing stringent food safety systems and quality standards can food processing facilities safeguard their brand and the health of end-consumers.

Understand and adhere to regulations

Familiarise yourself with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and other regulatory approaches to prevent cross contamination. Learn more about these in our article on Why Restaurant Owners Shouldn’t Take Pest Control Into Their Own Hands. Make sure your staff are also trained and aware of the role they have to play in ensuring food safety.

Make a business case for sanitation and pest management

Maintaining a hygienic environment free of pests and harmful pathogens should be a key priority for any food businesses. Invite managers to participate in periodic inspections and partner with certified service providers to ensure proactive protection where it matters.

Encourage excellent hand hygiene

Proper hand washing is vital in preventing contamination of food by food handlers. It’s vitally important to not only train food workers on proper handwashing techniques, but also to provide them with the right facilities to promote regular hand hygiene, such as readily available hand soap dispensing units, paper dispensing units, hand sanitiser dispensing units and waste removal bins.

Partner with The Specialists to keep your business safe, healthy and compliant. Contact us today.