Food Safety

Definition

Food safety refers to practices and measures that are taken to ensure that food is safe for consumption and free from harmful contaminants.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Food safety is a scientific discipline describing handling, preparation, and storage of food in ways that prevent foodborne illness. This includes a number of routines that should be followed to avoid potential health hazards.

Benefits

• Prevention of foodborne illnesses and outbreaks.
• Protection of consumer health by ensuring the consumption of safe food.
• Promotion of good hygiene and food handling practices.

Examples

• Implementing food hygiene standards in restaurants.
• Checking for expiration dates and proper food labeling.
• Properly cooking and storing meats to avoid cross-contamination.

Additional Information

• Known issues: Neglecting food safety practices can lead to severe health consequences such as food poisoning, infections, and other serious illnesses.

Related Terms

• Foodborne Illness
• Hygiene
• Cross-Contamination
• GMO Foods
• Non-GMO Foods

References

• World Health Organization: Food Safety
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Food Safety