What is food technology?

• Clean hands

We use our hands to handle food in most instances and it is therefore important that our hands must be exceptionally clean. Be sure to wash your hands after using the toilet. In any case, wash your hands before working with raw materials or such-like food products. People who are employed in the food industry usually wash their hands with an anti-bacterial detergent before handling food.

• Injuries

It is unwise to handle food after you have sustained a cut, especially if the wound is on your hand. The foodstuff then comes into direct contact with body fluids and bacteria are able to enter the food.

• Clothing

Your clothing can also contribute to the transfer of bacteria. Hair, especially, contribute to transferring bacteria, so people who work in food factories wear nets to cover their hair as a method of protection.

• Condition of health

If you are unwell and suffer from a condition like diarrhoea, you should preferably not work with food. Dangerous bacteria that can cause food poisoning could be transferred to the food.

• Smoking

People may not smoke while they are involved in working with food. The danger comes from the fact that a person who is smoking might touch the lips when a cigarette is removed from the mouth. In this way, bacteria from the lips can be transferred to the food.

• Work environment

It is obvious that the area where the work takes place must be kept very clean. Although there is much that can be done to keep your immediate environment clean, it is a prerequisite to first clean the surface on which you plan to work with an antibacterial spray.

Assignment 3:

[lo 1.2]

Execute the following instructions:

1. Differentiate between the core concepts food hygiene and personal hygiene with the help of a class discussion.
2. Design a memory chart to indicate what one should do to ensure personal hygiene.
   1. FOOD SAFETY

Food safety comprises the process according to which you ensure that food is safe to eat, in order to avoid food poisoning.

• What causes food poisoning?

A variety of factors can lead to food poisoning, but the presence of bacteria probably is the main cause. Although most kinds of bacteria are harmless, some types can result in food poisoning. The symptoms normally include nausea, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever. In some instances food poisoning can lead to death. Bacteria are microorganisms that can only be seen with the help of a microscope. There are bacteria that can be utilised very advantageously, for example those that are used to make cheese. Bacteria increase extremely rapidly under the right circumstances. They develop at temperatures between 5 degrees Celsius and 63 degrees Celsius. They, however, flourish at temperatures that are more or less the same as body temperature, i.e. 37 degrees Celsius. It is interesting to note that their numbers double within 10 to 20 minutes when conditions are ideal. One bacterium can therefore increase to several thousands within five hours.

It is important to take note of the conditions that stimulate the growth of bacteria. When these factors are known, it is easier to take steps to prevent their growth.