Lesson 3: Preventing Food Contamination

In this lesson, we’ll cover best practices for preventing food contamination, including good hygiene practices, cleaning and sanitising food contact surfaces and equipment, and preventing cross-contamination between foods.

Good hygiene practices for food handlers

Good hygiene practices are essential for preventing the spread of foodborne illness. Food handlers should:

  • Wash their hands frequently, especially before handling food
  • Wear clean and appropriate protective clothing, such as gloves and aprons
  • Avoid working when sick or having symptoms of illness
  • Cover any cuts or wounds on their hands with waterproof bandages
  • Avoid touching their face, hair, or other parts of their body while handling food

Cleaning and sanitising food contact surfaces and equipment

Cleaning and sanitising food contact surfaces and equipment is important for preventing the spread of bacteria and other contaminants. Food contact surfaces and equipment should be:

  • Washed with soap and water to remove any visible debris
  • Sanitised with a solution of water and a food-grade sanitizer
  • Air-dried or wiped dry with a clean cloth or paper towel

Preventing cross-contamination between foods

Cross-contamination occurs when harmful bacteria or other contaminants are transferred from one food to another. To prevent cross-contamination:

  • Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and equipment for raw meat, poultry, and seafood
  • Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood in separate containers or bags to prevent their juices from coming into contact with other foods
  • Wash your hands, cutting boards, and utensils with hot soapy water after handling raw meat, poultry, and seafood
  • Use separate gloves or wash your hands thoroughly before handling ready-to-eat foods to prevent contamination

Conclusion

By implementing good hygiene practices, cleaning and sanitising food contact surfaces and equipment, and preventing cross-contamination between foods, you’ll be well on your way to preventing food contamination in your business. In the next lesson, we’ll cover safe food handling and storage.