Page 11 - Comprehensive Food Safety

31.03.2020

MAN-MADE CHEMICALS:
These include pesticides and food service chemicals (cleaning products).

Keep food service chemicals in their original container, when you dilute them and put them in
smaller bottles, label them correctly - including the hazards of using them in a food business.
Store all cleaning products and chemicals away from food prep and food service areas so they
do not contaminate either.

Remnants of sanitizer or degreaser sprays left on food prep areas or equipment could

contaminate the food and cause chemical burns to the people come into contact with it or eat
it. Make sure you clean any traces of chemicals used away thoroughly.

Pesticides may come into your workplace on vegetables and fruit so they need thorough
washing before using them. Always use a professional to do pest control in your business and
when done, clean and sanitise all equipment and utensils that may have come in to contact
with the insecticides, don’t forget the chiller handles etc. Then we need to have you thinking
about using the fly spray. Is it food safe – do you make sure everything is covered before

spraying?

Food additives - whilst many are legal, strict controls are needed over the quantity used. Food-
borne illness can be caused when an allergic reaction is triggered by the additive. Many asthma
sufferers have severe reactions to food additives so care is essential. Food additives like
sulfiting agents are used to help keep food fresh and colourful – you need to know if your food
premises uses them so that if a customer asks you can give the correct (perhaps lifesaving)
answer.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a very common chemical additive as it has been proven to be
a fantastic flavour enhancer. Within minutes of eating it, some people experience the signs of
poisoning, tingling up back of neck, headache, dry-burny throat, flushing- getting hot & prickly,
and maybe even dizziness.

NATURAL CHEMICALS
Food contains natural chemicals that are essential for growth and health, including
carbohydrates, sugars, proteins and vitamins. But some foods contain potentially harmful
natural toxins. The reason for the presence of natural toxins is not always known. In some
foods, a toxin is present as a naturally occurring pesticide to ward off insect attack. Or a toxin

may be formed to protect the plant from spoilage when damaged by weather, handling, UV
light or microbes.

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