What does food safety involve?
The safeguarding of food so that it cannot have negative consequences for the consumer. This relates to the preparation and use of the food. This should take into account the purpose and manner of consumption.
Food safety is a requirement, no doubt about it. It is a part of food quality. When we speak of food quality we think of taste and smell of a food product.
Forms of food safety
Four different types can be distinguished; (micro-) biological -, chemical -, physical – and biotechnological food safety.
(Micro-) biological
Moulds and bacteria are forms of micro-organisms. During producing, preparing and storing, one can be exposed to these micro-organisms. This comes under the category (micro-) biological food safety.
Chemical
Chemical food safety is concerned with foreign substances in the food. This can be substances that have been added to the food for technical reasons to meet the customer’s requirements, also known as additives. In addition, substances can be unknowingly added to the food; these are contaminants. Common contaminants are plant protection products.
Physical
During production, glass or metal may get into the products. In general, these sorts of things are filtered out with special equipment. This belongs to physical food safety.
Biotechnological
When genetically modified organisms are added to foodstuffs, the EAV must first give their approval. Within the EU, this organisation checks that the genetically modified organism is safe. This is central to biological food safety.
Food safety guarantee
With HACCP food safety can be guaranteed. The system ensures that certain dangers are reduced. Assure yourself that food safety is in order within your company by following a HACCP course . With the possession of a HACCP certificate your customers can safely consume your products.
