Food born illness represents any sickness cause by contaminated food. Food can be contaminated in any of three ways:
Food born illness can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and even death! It will at the least ruin an otherwise good day. Customers who experience food born illness will not likely return for business. Serious cases can turn an otherwise profitable business into bankruptcy.
Bacterial Contamination occurs when food is stored at temperatures where bacteria can grow, referred to as the "Food Danger Zone", from 40-140OF. Bacteria grow fastest at 80-90OF - a nice September day! The principal means of protection is to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
Where does the bacteria come from to start this process? From the air, the water, the food itself, but more than any other place - from YOU. People represent the most dangerous food additive, the most significant source of bacterial contamination. What should you do? Most importantly WASH YOUR HANDS before entering food area.
Chemical Contamination occurs when a toxic substance enters a food product. For example, we use an agent containing chlorine to disinfect dishes, utensils, counters, etc. The level of chlorine to properly disinfect is 50-100 PPM, as measured by readily available test strips. Some believe that if a little chlorine is good a lot is better - WRONG! Chlorine is toxic in large amounts. Too much chlorine and you have created chemical contamination.
Physical Contamination occurs when foreign particulates enter the food, such as dirt collected from setting a bag of ice on the floor or the use of dirty utensils and containers.
We ask that all workers take necessary measures to reduce the risk of food born illness. Please do your part to help the cafe avoid this problem by knowing and complying with the applicable health rules.
-Luke 6:31