The Ultimate Guide to Food Safety in Catering

What is Food Safety in Catering?

Food safety in catering involves handling, preparing, and storing food using methods that prevent foodborne illnesses and contamination. It involves a comprehensive approach that includes proper food handling, storage, preparation techniques, adherence to hygiene standards, and strict monitoring of temperature controls for both cooking and storage. It also ensures that all kitchen equipment and surfaces are regularly cleaned and sanitized.

Importance of Food Safety in the Catering Industry

Food safety is crucial in the catering industry for various reasons. For example, violating the Food Act 2008 can lead to fines ranging from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands in Australia.

Here are six benefits of prioritizing food safety in your catering business:

• Protects Consumers: Food safety standards in catering help prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It reduces the risk of illnesses like gastroenteritis, dehydration, kidney failure, and even death.

• Ensures Compliance with Regulations: Following food safety regulations, like the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) system, helps protect consumers while also shielding businesses from legal issues and reputational harm.

• Maintains Business Reputation: A food safety incident can seriously damage a catering business’s reputation. Adhering to strict food safety standards helps build customer trust and creates a positive image in the industry.

• Reduces Food Waste: Proper food safety practices, including correct storage and handling, extend the shelf life of food and reduce spoilage. It minimizes waste and saves money and resources for the catering business.

• Keeps Food Nutrients intact: When food is handled correctly and cooked at the right temperature, it retains its nutrients, ensuring the food served to customers is nutritious and beneficial for their health.

Food Hazards in Catering

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) defines a food hazard as anything that can harm consumers.

Catering businesses and  employees are responsible for identifying and managing these hazards to avoid legal consequences. For instance, a catering company in Wales was fined £2,550 (~$3,428) for causing food poisoning in five customers because of improper storage of mackerel above 8°C.

In catering, four food hazards can occur: physical, chemical, biological, and allergenic. Let’s take a closer look at each type:

• Physical: Foreign objects can enter food during preparation, handling, or from raw ingredients. It can happen due to poor hygiene, faulty packaging, poorly maintained equipment or premises, or pest infestations.

• Chemical: This hazard occurs when food becomes contaminated by natural or man-made substances. Examples include storing cleaning products near food or using surfaces with chemical residue, leading to cross-contamination.

• Biological: Improper food handling allows bacteria, viruses, or fungi to grow and cause foodborne illnesses. It can occur through inadequate cooking, improper handwashing, or the use of contaminated equipment.

• Allergenic: Allergens are proteins naturally found in some foods but can contaminate others through cross-contact. It can spread when staff prepare allergen products with the same equipment, store them close together, or allow airborne particles to circulate.

The 4Cs of Food Hygiene in Catering

Caterers should follow the 4Cs of food hygiene to prevent the most common food safety problems, such as foodborne illnesses. Each “C” highlights the four key areas you must consider when handling food: cleaning, cooking, chilling, and cross-contamination.

Learn more about each of the Cs in this section:

The 4Cs of Food Hygiene in Catering

Cleaning

Proper cleaning is essential in preventing the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. All surfaces that come into contact with food should be regularly cleaned and sanitized, including cutting boards, countertops, utensils, and equipment. Caterers should also regularly wash their hands with soap and water before handling food and touching raw ingredients.

Cooking

Time and temperature control are essential for cooking food safely. The FSA recommends cooking food to a core temperature of 70°C for 2 minutes, though other time and temperature combinations can also work. Record random temperature readings to verify you’ve cooked the food thoroughly and safely.

Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination can occur through improper food handling and storage, or using the same equipment and utensils for different foods without cleaning them properly. To prevent this, keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat items and always clean utensils and equipment between uses. It’s also essential to have an allergen matrix and control plan in place and take the necessary precautions to safely cater to people with allergies.

Chilling

Chilling keeps food at safe temperatures to slow down the growth of harmful bacteria. Ensure your fridge stays at 5°C or below using built-in temperature sensors or external thermometers. Let hot food cool before refrigerating, and avoid overloading the refrigerator so air can circulate properly.

6 Food Safety Practices for Caterers

Aside from the key practices mentioned above, catering businesses should also implement the following food safety measures to ensure that their food is safe for consumption:

• Serving of Food: Food contamination can happen during service, so keep all areas and equipment clean and well-maintained. Staff should also practice good hygiene to keep food safe.

• Waste Management: Properly dispose of food waste to prevent cross-contamination and attract pests. It includes regularly emptying trash cans, cleaning spills, and having designated areas for food waste.

• Pest Control: Pests can carry and spread diseases, so it’s essential to have a pest control plan in place. It includes regular inspections, sealing entry points, and using safe and effective methods to eliminate pests.

• Supplier Management: Make sure to purchase food from reputable suppliers and regularly inspect their facilities for cleanliness and proper storage. It will help you ensure your food is safe and high quality.

• Staff Training: Properly train all staff members on food safety practices, including handwashing, cleaning procedures, and how to handle and store food properly. Regular training and refresher courses help reinforce these practices.

• Regulatory Compliance: Stay up-to-date on food safety regulations and follow them carefully. It includes obtaining necessary permits and licenses, keeping records of inspections and training, and properly labeling all food items.