Food Science

The Importance of Food Hygiene Food Hygiene, otherwise called Food Safety can be defined as handling, preparing and storing food or drink in the way that best reduces the risk of consumers becoming sick from the food-borne illness. The principles of food safety aim to stop food from turning into contaminated and causing food poisoning. With this in mind, ensuring that food is safe for human consumption is likely the most important part of the food preparation process. This ranges from what is known as farm to fork, which means from the farms all the way to your plate. This means that food hygiene is very important at home further as in the restaurant, retail store or food manufacturing plant. There has become an ever-increasing awareness of food safety by the general public and news agencies are reporting on food recalls and outbreaks much more often. Reviewing the available statistics, The CDC estimates that every year 48 million individuals get sick from a foodborne illness, 128,000

What is cross-contamination? Bacterial cross-contamination is defined as the transfer of bacteria or other microorganisms from one substance to another . Other types of cross-contamination include the transfer of food allergens, chemicals, or toxins. Trusted Source Many people assume that  food borne illness  is mostly caused by eating at restaurants, but there are many ways in which cross-contamination can occur, including; Trusted So Trusted Source primary food production — from plants and animals on farms during harvest or slaughter secondary food production — including food processing and manufacturing transportation of food storage of food distribution of food — grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and more food preparation and serving — at home, restaurants, and other food service operations Given that there are many points at which cross-contamination can occur, it’s important to learn about the different types and how you can prevent it.

Food Contamination Food contamination  is a commonly used term. However, only a few people are aware of the exact reasons for food contamination and its effects on your health.  When food items are not handled or cooked safely, the disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, parasites, and viruses result in food contamination. The disease-causing parasites produce toxins that may also lead to food intoxication. In addition, the presence of pesticides, certain cleaning compounds, contaminate the food. The common reasons for food contamination are: Improper storing, handling and preparing food Improperly cleaned or sanitized utensils Contamination by flies, cockroaches, insects, and pests Different Types of Food Contamination There are a number of reasons that can lead to  food contamination . However, food contamination falls under four different categories which are: Biological contamination Chemical contamination Physical contamination Cross-contamination Biological Contamination Biol