World Food Safety Day: 5 Key Factors Of Food Safety Everyone Should Know

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World Food Safety Day is observed on 7 June every year, with the purpose of bringing attention to food standards. Each year, 1 in 10 people throughout the world suffer from foodborne illness, so food standards go a long way in protecting us.

As part of its annual Food Safety Day celebration, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) announces a new theme. The theme for World Food Safety Day 2023 is "Food Standards Save Lives". It emphasises the importance of food standards in safeguarding lives and preventing food contamination.

5 Factors Of Food Safety Everyone Should Know

Food safety is an essential part of our health and well-being. It's important to be aware of the key factors that can affect the safety of our food. These include the environment, the storage of food, the way food is prepared and cooked, the cleanliness of the kitchen, and the hygiene of the people handling the food [1].

All of these factors can contribute to the safety of the food that we consume. Here are five key factors of food safety everyone should know [2][3].

1. Food preparation

Proper food preparation is essential for food safety. This includes washing hands before and after handling food, using clean utensils and surfaces, and keeping raw and cooked foods separate. Always cook food to the correct temperature and chill food quickly after cooking.

2. Food storage

Food should be stored at the appropriate temperature, both before and after cooking. Refrigerate perishable food within two hours of cooking, and store leftovers in shallow containers so they cool quickly. If not stored properly, bacteria can grow quickly on food, which can cause food-borne illness.

Storing food at the right temperature helps to slow down the growth of bacteria and can help to keep food safe to eat.

3. Food temperature

The temperature of food can affect its safety. Perishable food should be kept at temperatures between 4.4°C and 60°F to prevent bacteria from growing. It is important to refrigerate or freeze perishable food as soon as possible after purchase.

4. Food handling

It is important to handle food safely to prevent contamination. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw food and cooked food and washing hands and utensils between tasks. When food is not handled safely, bacteria can spread from raw food to cooked food, potentially leading to food-borne illness [4].

By using separate cutting boards, washing hands and utensils, and properly storing food, you can reduce the risk of contamination.

5. Food expiration

Pay attention to food expiration dates. Eating expired food increases the risk of foodborne illness. Check the "best by" and "use by" dates on food packages and discard any food that is out of date.

As food ages, it can become unsafe to eat due to the growth of bacteria and other micro-organisms. Bacteria can cause food-borne illnesses, which can be serious and even life-threatening.

Eating expired food increases the risk of these illnesses, so it is important to pay attention to expiration dates and discard any food that is out of date.

On A Final Note...

Take the time to learn about food safety and practice safe food handling to keep your family healthy. Proper food handling techniques help to prevent food-borne illnesses, which can range from mild to serious.

Taking the time to learn about the different ways to store, prepare, and cook food can help reduce the risk of food contamination and help keep everyone healthy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.