Why is Food Safety Important? What You Need to Know
The CDC reports that every year, there are an estimated 48 million people who find themselves sick from food-borne illnesses.
And of those 48 million people who get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 people die.
Most of the 250 food-borne illnesses are infectious, caused by a variety of viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
There are plenty of arguments for why is food safety important. And if you work in the industry, the chances are that you have to get certified.
From 1998 to 2015, the percentage of outbreaks linked to restaurants was 60%, while the home environment only accounted for 8%.
But taking a food safety handlers course won’t break the bank, and it’s something that EVERY individual could benefit from, service industry worker or not.
Here’s are some of the many reasons why food safety is important.
Safe Handling Practices Preserve Quality and Nutritional Value
When you keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot, you inhibit the growth of microorganisms that make you sick or spoil your food.
Storage in the right containers and at the correct temperature retains freshness, positives smells, and perfect textures. All of these greatly contribute to enjoyable eating experiences.
When you’ve taken the time to choose healthy foods and used your money to pay for those foods, why let those nutrients go to waste?
Learn to properly preserve your food, so that nutrient levels and quality are at their highest.
Safe Handling Builds Your Reputation
More people than you think are aware of the importance of food safety, especially those who visit your establishment or conduct a food safety audit.
Not only will proper certification paperwork set you ahead in terms of quality reviews, but you’ll stand a higher chance of never getting anyone sick.
Patrons notice when food isn’t handled safely, especially when it pertains to the front-of-house (FOH).
Paying for a food safety certificate pales in comparison to the money you’ll lose if someone gets sick at your restaurant and spreads the word. Your reputation will surely suffer.
And if you don’t own a business or work in the food service industry, the importance of food still matters.
From contributing to a bake sale to cooking for friends and family, protecting their health is important.
Safe Food Handling Saves Money
Food-borne illness costs the United States over $15 billion every year.
While it’s hard to throw away food that’s been mishandled, it’s the only thing you can do in that situation. And when you compare the cost of that food to the cost of severe food poisoning, there’s no point in taking a risk!
Plus, people don’t just get sick when they fall ill from food poisoning. Around 3,000 people die every year from it in the United States!
You’ll Save Friends, Family, and Customers a Lot of Pain
Parasitic, viral, or bacterial illnesses caused by food are awful for everyone involved.
Plus, they can have long-term or fatal consequences.
We shouldn’t have to fear food, whether we’re cutting up raw chicken on our own cutting boards or serving day-old pasta salad at a restaurant.
And microscopic organisms aren’t going anywhere. They play an integral role in the workings of our world.
That’s why it’s vital to do things like storing your foods properly, cook your meats and other necessary ingredients thoroughly, clean your food service areas and utensils extensively, and wash your hands correctly.
Did you know that while most people wash their chicken in the kitchen sink before they prepare it, they shouldn’t be doing so?
Splashing water from a tap that hits raw chicken can contaminate your hands, your clothing, your counters, and other surrounding equipment and cooking elements.
There are specific regulations and safety tips you’ll learn when you take a food safety course. If that knowledge can protect people you love or serve from getting sick, why not do it?
The Safe Ways Are Efficient Ways
Saving time isn’t always the way to go, especially in the kitchen.
Even though thousands of Americans thaw their poultry and other meat at room temperature, it’s really not a safe way to do so.
When you keep food within the “Danger Zone” temperatures (40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit), it encourages the growth of harmful bacteria. At those temperatures, bacteria multiply fast.
If left to breed for long enough, some bacteria have the ability to become heat-resistant, which is an issue that cooking further can never fix.
Toxins and Chemicals Can Be Detrimental Too
Naturally occurring toxins like mycotoxins can be found in staple foods like cereals or corn. A long-term exposure, when those toxins are at high levels, can hurt the immune system and normal development, or even cause cancer.
Sometimes people are contaminated by heavy metals in their food, which primarily occurs through the pollution of water, air, and soil.
It’s important to know and understand what you may be putting into your body, not only for yourself but for your family or your customers as well.
Safe Food Handling Is the Right Thing to Do
The people and customers you prepare food for, deserve the best. You shouldn’t have to expect anything less when someone prepares food for you.
Every person who comes across a product or food has a responsibility to handle that food correctly for the sake of those consuming it.
The last thing you’d want is to be responsible for someone getting sick, or worse, dying.
Why Is Food Safety Important?
It’s important for every person to know why is food safety important.
Not only does following proper food safety procedures preserve the integrity of the nutrients in the food, but it also saves money.
Plus, it saves lives. Food poisoning is different for every individual, but more often than not, it’s a very painful, bothersome, sickness that sometimes requires hospitalization.
Do you have questions or want to know when and where you can get certified? Check out our calendar or contact us today!
