Food safety protocols, policies, and regulations are non-negotiable when it comes to reducing the spread of foodborne illness and protecting the public. Restaurants and businesses with poor food safety practices in place run the risk of compromising the health of their patrons and may also be susceptible to fines or further restrictions on their business operations.
Those with a future working in the food industry will need to recognize the importance of food safety, along with how they can prevent poor food safety practices in restaurants and other hospitality businesses.
The Importance of Food Safety
Food safety refers to the safe handling, cooking, and storage of food items, and it is critical to prevent the spread of foodborne illness. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), millions of people each year are infected with foodborne illnesses, which can do more than make people feel unwell for a day or two: They can cause severe health complications and, in some tragic cases, even lead to death.
We, or commercial entities, can ensure that food safety regulations and practices are followed. Following these measures can assist in keeping workers and consumers safe. Food industry businesses that do not prioritize food safety may see a loss in business, not to mention be subject to fines and other restrictions if they continue to fail to comply with food safety guidelines and regulations.
Personal Hygiene and Food Safety
Proper personal hygiene is key when handling, cooking, or storing food, particularly if you work in the food industry or hospitality sector. Knowing the personal hygiene measures to take will ensure that you remain in compliance with all food safety regulations and guidelines at your place of employment. These personal hygiene protocols are implemented to protect both customers and yourself.
Handwashing and Personal Cleanliness
According to FoodSafety.gov, handwashing is essential when working in the food service industry. You should wash your hands frequently with soap and under warm water, particularly when handling and preparing food that will be consumed. Some of the most critical times to wash your hands include:
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before, during, and after handling raw meat
- After using the bathroom, changing diapers, or helping a child use the bathroom
- After touching or handling an animal
- After being in contact with someone who is ill
- After coughing, sneezing, or wiping your nose
In addition to frequent handwashing, prioritize overall good personal hygiene practices — such as wearing clean clothing to work, trimming your nails regularly, and avoiding face-touching.
Protective Clothing and Equipment
In the food service work environment, protective clothing and equipment help prevent contamination and reduce the spread of germs. Many food service workers who handle food wear gloves, aprons, hairnets, or face masks to improve food safety overall.
Proper Food Handling Techniques
When working in the food service industry, handling food is simply part of the job. However, you should rely on proper food handling techniques to protect yourself and ensure that the food you are preparing and serving is safe for consumption.
Preventing Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria from one food is inadvertently transferred to a surface or utensil, then subsequently contaminates another food item. According to the FDA, separating foods during the preparation process is essential to preventing cross-contamination. Raw meat and other raw food items, such as eggs and seafood, should always be kept separate and prepared on different surfaces. Color-coded utensils and an organized preparation area can help prevent cross-contamination in the workplace.
Safe Cooking Temperatures
All food must be cooked until it reaches the proper temperatures, which should be verified by using a cooking thermometer. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, these are the main safe cooking temperatures to reference:
- Chicken and Turkey – 165°F
- Ground Beef, Pork, Veal, and Lamb – 160°F
- Eggs – 160°F
- Steak – 145°F
- Fish and Shellfish – 145°F
Proper Thawing Methods
Freezing food is an excellent way to preserve it and extend its lifespan, but proper thawing methods are crucial to preparing and serving food created from frozen ingredients. According to FoodSafety.gov, the best way to thaw frozen food is in the refrigerator, but cold water and microwaves can also be used for safe thawing. Avoid thawing food at room temperature because bacteria can quickly grow and contaminate it.
Safe Food Storage Practices
Whether you are working with food that has already been prepared or are planning to store raw food for later, relying on the best safe food storage practices is a vital part of the process. When food is not properly stored, it can become contaminated with bacteria, which may lead to illness or other health complications.
Proper Refrigeration and Freezing
According to FoodSafety.gov, food ingredients as well as prepared food should be refrigerated or frozen within two hours. Maintaining the correct refrigeration and freezer temperatures is essential to food safety. For refrigerators, the temperature should be set to 40°F or below. For freezers, the temperature should be set to 0°F or below. Additionally, all perishable foods that are refrigerated or frozen need to be stored in airtight containers to protect the food and prevent bacteria from growing on it.
FIFO Method (First In, First Out)
The “First In, First Out” (FIFO) method is a food safety practice that requires food industry professionals to rotate food in order to reduce the risk of people consuming expired products. The FIFO method relies on the use of expiration dates or sell-by dates, and it can help reduce food waste while simultaneously preventing the use of expired foods.
Storing Dry and Canned Goods
While non-perishable foods can be stored at room temperature, there are still food safety practices to keep in mind. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, some products are shelf-stable for longer times than others — so of course, stay aware of expiration dates. It is also important to check canned foods for safety and to avoid using dented or swollen cans.
Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Preparation Areas
Along with properly handling and storing food, the surfaces on which you are preparing food must be properly sterilized. Cleaning and sanitizing food preparation areas is a key component of proper food safety.
Regular Cleaning of Surfaces and Equipment
Any and all surfaces that are used for food storage, preparation, and cooking should be regularly cleaned and sanitized. In addition, all utensils and equipment used for preparing and cooking food should be cleaned regularly to prevent cross-contamination. Regular cleaning also requires you to look beyond the obvious surfaces and ensure that sponges, towels, and cutting boards are cleaned and replaced as needed throughout the preparation process.
Pest Control and Waste Management
Food scraps and open ingredients are essentially an invitation to pests, which can bring in a host of germs and bacteria to the food preparation area. Proper pest control and waste management strategies can reduce the risk of unwanted pests (like cockroaches or rodents) and improve food safety overall. You should properly dispose of trash on a regular basis, use tightly sealed food storage containers, and implement preventive pest control measures or treatments.
Food Safety Regulations and Compliance
Workers in the food service industry must remain in compliance with all food safety regulations and protocols. Again, food safety laws are in place to protect not only consumers but also the workers who handle food on a daily basis. With a firm grasp of the latest food safety regulations and by adopting the best food safety practices, you can remain in compliance throughout your career.
Understanding Food Safety Laws
Government agencies such as the FDA and USDA have created food safety regulations and guidelines that food service professionals and industry organizations must follow. Most recently, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was passed into law — shifting the focus from responding to foodborne illness to preventing it. One key component, the Food Traceability Final Rule, was scheduled for implementation during 2025 with a compliance deadline of January 2026. However, the new administration has delayed enforcement by 30 months. Despite this delay, the FDA has indicated it will continue working with stakeholders throughout the extended timeline to support readiness and ensure effective implementation. Health inspectors actively work to verify that restaurants and other food industry organizations remain in compliance, helping to protect the safety of employees and community members proactively rather than reactively.
Employee Training and Certification
Those who want to pursue a lifelong career in food safety or food industry compliance will find that ongoing education is a critical part of their overall career development. Food safety training programs and certifications provide experienced professionals with an opportunity to expand their skill set and knowledge of the latest industry guidelines, giving them the ability to continue to advance in their careers. Through ongoing education, you will be able to stay updated on the best practices while being uniquely qualified to implement new measures at the food industry organizations where you work.
Key Takeaways for Preventing Food Safety Issues
Comprehensive food safety strategies require collaboration and cooperation. The reality is that food safety is a shared responsibility among individuals, businesses, and regulatory agencies. By consistently adhering to the best food safety practices and remaining committed to protecting public health, you may advance in your food industry career and endeavor to assure that everyone has access to safe and nutritious food.
What Is the Best Way to Prevent Poor Food Safety? Learn More at Johnson & Wales University
Without proper food safety measures in place, organizations and businesses can leave their customers vulnerable to health risks. At Johnson & Wales University, we offer several food degree programs that can equip you with the food safety skills required to be successful in this dynamic industry — including an online Bachelor of Science in Food Industry Compliance Management and an online Master of Science in Food Safety. Both of these industry-specific degree programs feature a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes food safety.
For more information about completing your degree online, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].