A Food Safety Christmas Quiz
So, in order to help to reassure yourself that you are well and truly to grips with
some of the most important information, we have devised a fact or fiction test.
True or False Questions...
Question 1 - True or False "While it's advisable to follow HACCP Principles, very small catering businesses including mobile catering vans can opt-out of having a full documented Food Safety Management System".
Question 2 - True or False "The only definite way to kill all bacteria is to cook an item above 75 degrees for 2 minutes, or deep freeze an item below -10 degrees."
Question 3 - True or False "You need a special licence/permission to use a Wooden chopping board".
Question 4 - True or False "Day care nurseries & care homes are not covered by food safety law because they don't actually sell the food, it's given away as part of a wider offering".
Question 5 - True or False "You can be fined up to 5,000 for a serious or persistent food hygiene failure in your business."
Question 6 - True or False "Metal is one of the lesser known causes of food poisoning."
Question 7 - True or False "You must stop or remove all of these four factors to stop the growth of bacteria: Food, Moisture, Warmth or Time."
Question 8 - True or False "Observing high standards of personal hygiene is something that is required by food hygiene laws."
Question 9 - True or False "It is illegal to wear Jewellery when handling food in a professional capacity."
Question 10 - True or False "A business does not have to be registered with the local enforcement authority (EHO) if its maximum capacity is 15 people or below."
True or False Answers...
Answer 1 False. It doesn't matter how small your business, it still needs a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) that incorporates Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles. You could be visited by an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) anywhere, yes even the burger van on the car boot sale. And if your system is not up to date, you're going to be in trouble.
Answer 2 False. While it's true that 75 degrees for 2 minutes is the correct guideline for cooking, this will still not kill ALL bacteria, it will just reduce it to a safe level. Similarly, freezing doesn't kill all bacteria; it just slows its growth.
Answer 3 True. Colour coded chopping boards are recommended. Wood can only be used for a "butchers block" and you will need a special licence.
Answer 4 False. Regardless of whether you're selling the food or giving it away, the same Food Hygiene legislation applies. It's as simple as that.
Answer 5 False. Actually, the fines can be much higher than this. Staff who breach food hygiene laws can receive a 5,000 fine and a 6 month prison sentence, whereas supervisors/owners can be fined 20,000 and up to 2 years in prison. In exceptionally serious cases fines have exceeded 1million.
Answer 6 True. Metals absorbed into food from unsuitable metal containers or pipes can cause poisoning. Other dangerous substances such as arsenic, lead or mercury can also be taken in via foods that have been contaminated or sprayed with preservatives and not properly cleansed before ingestion.
Answer 7 - False. It is in fact possible to stop the growth of bacteria by just stopping any one of these factors.
Answer 8 - True. This falls under the legal term Due Diligence' which means taking all reasonable precautions to ensure food is safe. In other words, you have done everything you possibly can to ensure the food you serve is safe.
Answer 9 - False. It is better to avoid wearing jewellery and watches while working as bacteria can live on watch straps, bracelets and rings and there is a danger of items falling into food. Some companies still allow staff to wear a plain wedding ring and sleeper earrings but it depends on an employer's policy.
Answer 10 False. Registering with the local enforcement authority is the employer's responsibility and it must always be adhered to regardless of the size of the establishment.
How did you score?
How did you score in the above test? The point is that what's good for the customer is good for the business. The points made, if followed, will actually help your business run more efficiently and will safeguard your reputation.
Every successful business reviews any problems and adapts to changes facing it. Analysis and evolution are vital to stay ahead in the world of catering and hospitality. So by all means take a glance over your shoulder, list the highs and lows and have a good look at where you excelled, where you slipped up and where you would like to be. Set goals and plan ahead. It's the start of a resolution!
Have a safe and successful Christmas.
by:Paul Grantham
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