FOOD SAFETY REVISION

Question 1

What conditions are needed for bacteria to multiply and survive?

Answer 1

• Food
• Moisture
• Warmth
• Suitable pH
• Time

Question 2

What are the main causes of cross-contamination?

Answer 2

• The food handler
• Food. e.g. raw meat and poultry
• Equipment and utensils
• Dishcloths and tea towels
• Rubbish
• Pets and pests

Question 3

Who are the groups which are most at risk of food poisoning?

Answer 3

• Babies
• Young children
• Elderly
• Pregnant women
• Ill people - weakened immune system

Question 4

E.coli

Answer 4

Food sources:
* Raw meat + fish
* Undercooked mince beef
* Gravy
* Unpasteurised cheese

Symptoms:
* Diarrhoea
* Stomach cramps
* Fever
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Kidney failure

Method of control:
Prevent cross-contamination, use pasteurised milk and cheese. Proper storage.

Question 5

Listeria

Answer 5

Food sources:
* Uncooked meats
* Smoked salmon
* Unpasteurised cheese
* Soft cheese
* Ready-to-eat foods

Symptoms:
* Diarrhoea
* Nausea
* Flu
* Blood poisoning

Method of control:
Cook meat and poultry throughly, piping hot 70*C. Wash raw vegetables before eating. Keep uncooked meats separate from other foods. Reheat ready meals until piping hot.

Question 6

Salmonella

Answer 6

Food sources:
* Poultry
* Raw meat
* Eggs
* Unpasteurised milk
* Raw unwashed vegetables

Symptoms:
* Diarrhoea
* Stomach cramps
* Vomiting
* Fever

Method of control:
Keep raw foods especially poultry away from cooked foods. Ensure chicken, eggs, and other meats are fully cooked (70*C). Always wash hands after handling raw chicken.

Question 7

Staphyloccusaureus

Answer 7

Food sources:
* Food made by hand that require no cooking
* Snadwiches
* Cream desserts
* Cooked Meals
* Unpasteurised milk

Symptoms:
* Diarrhoea
* Stomach pain
* Severe vomiting

Method of control:
This bacteria lives on hands and in the nose, so high standards of hygiene are essentials, e.g. wash hands after coughing, sneezing. Keep food handling to a minimum.

Question 8

FSA WHO ARE THEY WHAT DO THEY DO ?

Answer 8

The Food Standards Agency is a non-ministerial government department of the Government of the United Kingdom. It is responsible for protecting public health in relation to food in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is led by a board appointed to act in the public interest.

Question 9

The food hygiene rating what is it ?

Answer 9

The food hygiene rating reflects the standards of food hygiene found on the date of the inspection by the local authority. The food hygiene rating is not a guide to food quality.

The information on businesses is held on behalf of local authorities in England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. Any queries about individual businesses should be directed to the appropriate local authority.

Question 10

What is the scheme ?

Answer 10

The scheme gives businesses a rating from 5 to 0 which is displayed at their premises and online so you can make more informed choices about where to buy and eat food.

5 – hygiene standards are very good

4 – hygiene standards are good

3 – hygiene standards are generally satisfactory

2 – some improvement is necessary

1 – major improvement is necessary

0 – urgent improvement is required