In a recent study carried out the consumer watchdog, “Which?’ The study has highlighted a serious problem with supermarket chicken and highlighted the importance of food health and safety training. During their investigation the deadly bacteria Campylobacter was discovered in 18% of the 192 chickens that were tested. Campylobacter was responsible for 88 deaths three years ago and it is responsible for over 371,000 cases of food poisoning in 2009 according the Food Standards Agency.
Further tests in the lab showed campylobacter wasn’t the only problem as 4% of the tested chickens were contaminated with listeria. The results of the investigation have been branded unacceptable and show the importance of health and safety when dealing with any part of the food production and preparation process.
Hygiene is Vital in the Preparation of All Food
There were nine supermarkets tested during the study which were:
- Aldi
- Co-Op
- Marks and Spencer
- Morrisons
- Asda
- Tesco
- Waitrose
- Sainsbury’s
The representative of all the above supermarkets excluding Aldi, The British Retail Consortium, said that “Which?’ were doing nothing but scaremongering the public. Campylobacter is a common bacterium which can be killed providing good hygiene practices are followed. However if the health and safety in food preparation is lacking it could lead to serious cases of food poisoning and even death. This is why it is essential to ensure that all food which goes through your kitchens is carefully handled by qualified people.
Find the Best Training for Food Safety
There are many food safety training courses available. If you have the right employees fully trained you can help to prevent food poisoning and protect people from being made ill after eating at your premises. Good hygiene and safe food practices will ensure that all the food is prepared safely, cooked thoroughly and is less likely to cause any infections or contamination.
Training is essential whether you are responsible for preparing or manufacturing food. The many available courses to consider include:
- Food Safety in Catering
- Supervising Food Safety in Catering
- Managing Food Safety in Catering
- HACCP for Food Manufacturing