Food Safety Principles
What is food safety?
The practice of handling, preparing, and storing food in a way that prevents foodborne illness.
What is the danger zone?
The temperature range (40°F–140°F) where bacteria can grow rapidly.
Define "foodborne illness."
A sickness caused by eating contaminated food.
Define biological contamination.
Contamination caused by living organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Why is food safety important?
To prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure the health and safety of consumers.
Why is it important to avoid the danger zone?
To reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses by preventing bacteria from multiplying
Define "contamination."
The presence of harmful substances or microorganisms in food.
Define chemical contamination.
Contamination that occurs when harmful chemicals, such as pesticides or cleaning agents, are introduced to food.
What is cross-contamination?
The transfer of harmful bacteria from one food item to another.
Define food spoilage.
The process where food deteriorates to the point that it is no longer safe or desirable to eat.
Define "parasite."
An organism that lives in or on another organism to gain nutrients and can cause illness.
Define physical contamination.
Contamination caused by foreign objects like hair, glass, or plastic in food.
Describe a critical control point
A step in food preparation where controls can be applied to prevent, eliminate, or reduce food safety hazards.
What causes food spoilage?
Factors such as age, temperature, moisture, and exposure to microorganisms.
What are the three types of contamination?
Biological, chemical, and physical contamination.
Define equipment to food contamination
It occurs because the equipment or utensils were not properly washed and sanitized between each use
What are the Four C's?
Clean, Cook, Chill, and Cross-Contaminate.
Name three primary sources of food spoilage.
Improper storage, contamination, and temperature abuse.
Define "pathogen."
A microorganism that can cause disease, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Define food to food contamination
Food to food contamination occurs when harmful substances or microorganisms are transferred from one food to another, most commonly through raw meat, poultry, or seafood coming into contact with ready-to-eat foods.