Top 5 Food Safety Violations in the Food Service Industry
The food service industry is a challenging one, but it’s also an important one. After all, we all need to eat! But in order to keep our customers safe, it’s important to follow food safety regulations. Here are the top 5 food safety violations to help!
That’s why I’m writing this blog post to discuss the top 5 food safety violations that are observed in the food service industry. These violations can lead to foodborne illness, which can be serious or even fatal.
So, if you work in the food service industry, it’s important to be aware of these violations and take steps to prevent them.
1. Pests
Pests are a major problem in the food service industry. They can contaminate food, spread diseases, and even cause allergic reactions.
That’s why it’s important to have a pest control plan in place. This plan should include regular inspections, pest-proofing measures, and a way to deal with pests if they do occur.
2. Contamination
Contamination is another major food safety issue. It can happen when food comes into contact with harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
There are many ways to prevent contamination, including:
- Properly cooking food
- Keeping raw meat and poultry separate from other foods
- Washing hands thoroughly
- Sanitizing surfaces and equipment
3. Sanitization
Sanitization is the process of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment to remove harmful bacteria.
It’s important to sanitize all surfaces and equipment that come into contact with food. This includes cutting boards, utensils, countertops, and even the floor.
4. Hand washing
Hand washing is one of the most important things you can do to prevent foodborne illness.
It’s important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before, during, and after handling food.
5. Temperature control
Temperature control is another important food safety issue. Food must be kept at safe temperatures to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
The safe temperature range for cooked food is 140°F to 165°F. Food should be held at this temperature until it’s served.
Conclusion
These are just the top 5 food safety violations that are observed in the food service industry. There are many other violations that can occur, so it’s important to be aware of them all.
If you work in the food service industry, it’s important to take steps to prevent these violations. This will help to keep your customers safe and prevent foodborne illness.
For more information on food safety, please visit the following websites:
- Food Safety and Inspection Service: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/
- National Restaurant Association: https://www.restaurant.org/