Keeping Food safe

If in doubt throw it out

• In the USA- 200,000 / day/food borne illness

• Food poisoning- flu like symptoms

Microorganisms• 1. mold• 2. Yeast• 3. bacteria- food intoxication

- food infection

Others:• 4 . viruses• 5. Animal parasites• 6. chemicals• 7. natural toxins

Molds

Give foods the fuzzy look

Requirements for Mold Growth• 1. moisture • 2. moderate temperature 20- 35 degrees• 3. aerobic

• As temperature drops mold growth slows• Visible on food throw it out• Some foods it is used for flavor• Eg. blue cheese

Yeasts

• One celled plant• Fungi

• Yeasts form spores- [ microorganisms in a dormant or inactive state- will survive high temperatures]

Requirements for Yeast Growth

• 1. moisture

• 2. high ph level [ acid]

• 3. warmth 20- 38 degrees

• 4. air

Bacteria

• 20 different types- 8 major

• Found in air, soil, water, food

Requirements for Bacteria Growth

• 1. grow with or without air

• 2. moisture• 3. warmth

• Most killed by heat

Food intoxication

• Bacteria that form toxins that make us ill

• In large amounts form spores that release these toxins

Clostridium perfringens

• Found in small amounts in the intestinal tract all the time

• Found in food left at room temperature too long - meats and poultry

• High and low temperature halt growth

• Takes 4 – 24 hours sick

• Keep hot food hot

• Keep cold food cold

Staphylococcus

• Found in nasal passages and skin

• Passed through moisture- sneeze, breath

• 1- 7 hours sick• toxin

• Eg. Chef with a cut on his hand

Botulism

• Toxin• Contaminated fish,

honey and improperly canned goods

• Boil food for 10-15 minutes

• Serious- can cause death--. Respiratory failure

Food infections

• Pathogen enters body on food causing illness

Salmonella

• Grow very fast• 5 hours – 3 days

sick• Cross contamination• Raw poultry- eggs• Fish• milk

E coli [ Escherichia coli]

• Lives in animal intestines helps digest food and metabolize vitamins

• Can be fatal- kidney failure

• Source- under cooked meats

Animal parasites

• Found in contaminated water And food

TAPEWORM

Viruses

• Norwalk – flu like symptoms

Chemical food poisoning

• Chemicals that get in or on the food that cause illness

• Additives • Lead• Arsenic• Poisonous plants-

mushrooms• pesticides

Pesticides

• Some occur naturally• Help insure the

survival of food crops against predators

• Increase yield• Strict regulations