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Excerpt from the Course
CONTAMINATION OF FOOD
The main concern in handling, storing and preparing foods is possible contamination, which can adversely affect the healthfulness, taste and appearance of food, or worse yet, cause harm to the consumer. Kitchen processes and procedures are a key factor in avoiding food contamination, and must be carefully managed and monitored to ensure that all staff in a restaurant or other food facility follow correct procedure at all times.
Food can be contaminated in many different ways, some of which are discussed below.
Contamination from Cooking
Materials in some cooking utensils can find their way into foods:
Aluminium - If acidic foods are used with aluminium cookware (eg. saucepans), increased quantities of aluminium will contaminate food. If such foods are cooked in aluminium over long periods, or left sit in the container after cooking, the problem is increased. There is no conclusive evidence linking aluminium with health risks, but suspicions exist.
The safest types of cookware include earthenware, glass, enamel and stainless steel.
Materials from fuels (eg. ash from a wood fire) may also find their way into foods. There have been reported cases of poisoning when people have used treated pine off cuts to cook a barbeque. The treatment used on pine to prevent it from rotting, when burnt, releases toxic chemicals. These may be inhaled, or may find their way into food. If using wood for a barbeque, make sure it is untreated.
Contaminants from Food Processing
Various materials used in processing foods can contaminate the foods, though the likelihood of a problem is low. These contaminants may include:
Cleaning materials
Lubricants
Packaging materials
Chemical residues (eg. glues, solvents etc)
Other substances (eg. hair, insects, rodent excreta) that enter the food through unsanitary or careless practices probably pose the most obvious threat.
Pathological Contamination
Most foods will become contaminated with pathogens (ie. microorganisms) after a period of time. This time period may be very short (eg. hours) for some foods, under normal room conditions. For other foods, spoilage may take weeks, months, or even years to occur.
Microorganisms
Microorganisms including bacteria, moulds and yeasts may cause putrefaction, decay, fermentation or moulding of food. Small quantities of such microorganisms are common in the environment, and will almost inevitably be found on the surfaces of most foods. Under favourable environmental conditions, these organisms can grow and multiply at an alarming rate, feeding off the foodstuffs. If the surface of a food is damaged or broken, microorganisms are more readily able to penetrate the inside of the food, and can develop even faster.
Enzymes
Decomposition of food can also be hastened through the action of enzymes. Various enzymes occur in fresh foods that are part of the nature, controlling natural mechanisms such as the ripening of fruit. These enzymes will continue to affect the biochemistry of the food beyond peak condition, and in so doing they can contribute to deterioration. For example, fruit and vegetables that are not quite ripe may be acidic.
Enzymes in the plant material will progressively assist changes of acid to sugar, hence bringing about a ripening. Eventually it will pass a stage where it is in optimum condition, and tissues will begin to deteriorate.
Mechanical Deterioration
Physical or mechanical damage to food can cause deterioration. Damaged parts of food will then be more susceptible to attack by microorganisms (or other problems). Damage may come from bruising, cutting, tearing, puncturing, insects, birds or other pests, etc.
Ripening of Fruit
As a fruit ripens, it undergoes a variety of different changes, and susceptibility to attack by microorganisms will increase as it progresses through these changes. These changes may include:
Softening
Changes in carbohydrate (ie. increase in sugar content)
Organic acid changes (decrease)
Change in colour
Seed maturing
Change in respiration rate
Change in ethylene production
Change in tissue permeability
Change in protein content
Production of volatile oils
Development of wax on skin.
Consideration needs to be given to these different changes when considering storage and preservation of fruits.
Low Temperature Damage
Storing fresh foods (eg. fruit and vegetables) at low temperatures will slow deterioration by reducing the rate of respiration and metabolism, to a greater or lesser extent. Low temperature doesn't slow all metabolic processes though. Some metabolic processes (ie. cold labile enzyme systems) will stop completely if the temperature becomes too cold. Given that some reactions may still occur and others stop, an imbalance can develop where certain chemicals accumulate through some reactions producing them, but they are not disposed of because the elimination metabolism is stopped. The net result can be an accumulation of certain chemicals to toxic levels resulting in cells collapsing, and areas of tissue where this occurs becomes brown.
Chilling Injury
C an occur in tissues exposed to temperatures below 15oC in some tropical plants. The critical temperature will be lower for other types of tissue. (Note: This is different to freezing injury where ice crystals are formed inside tissues at temperatures below zero). When plant tissue is damaged by chilling, various metabolic chemicals can be released from inside cells (eg. amino acids, sugars, salts etc). Floating freely in tissues, unprotected by the cell walls, these chemicals become a food for microorganisms, particularly fungi. For this reason, fruit may often be more susceptible to rot after cold storage than before (particularly the more susceptible tropical fruits).
Preventing Food Poisoning
Some microorganisms that contaminate food CAN cause illness. Some illnesses are more serious than others. To avoid such illness, food must be handled properly, and every effort made to minimise food contamination. Precautions to take include:
Cooking at high temperatures to destroy microorganisms
Storage at low temperatures to minimise microorganism growth.
Using fresh food, to reduce the time for microorganisms to develop
Practicing good hygiene to minimise the range and number of microorganisms which might come in contact with food.
Most microorganisms will grow and multiply between 15 and 63 degrees Celsius. The greatest growth for most is around 37 degrees Celsius. Any susceptible foods should not be kept at these temperatures for any period. Preferably, avoid these temperatures altogether during storage and preparation. At lower temperatures, the growth of microorganisms is slowed or even stopped, but the microorganisms may not be destroyed. At higher temperatures, harmful microorganisms are destroyed.
Caution: Frozen foods (eg. meat), may not reach a sufficiently high enough temperature in the centre when they are cooked, even if the outside is cooked at a temperature over 63. To ensure any microorganisms inside meat are killed during cooking, meat should be completely thawed before cooking. This thawing is best done slowly at a low temperature (eg. over 1-2 days in the bottom of a refrigerator).
Hygiene to Practice
Always wash hands before preparing food
Never smoke when preparing food
Never comb hair near food
Cover wounds, cuts, pimples (eg. with a fresh band aid)
Don't touch pets when preparing food
Control insects and other pests in food preparation areas
Wash all benches and utensils with hot water.
Don't eat or lick food in preparation, and then bring unwashed fingers or utensils back in contact with food.
Don't use the same knives, benches etc for preparing different foods without first properly washing them (eg. Avoid cutting vegetables with a knife used on meat a few seconds before).
Separate storage places for raw and cooked foods.
Handle cooked food to the minimum (ie. use spoons or tongs, not hands, after cooking).
Don't keep food warm; keep it either hot or cold!
Discard any food that is suspicious - If in doubt, throw it out.
EBook to compliment this Course
Discover a better understanding of food and nutrition, what to eat and what to avoid. Â Human Nutrition is an ideal introductory text for students and anyone else interested in learning how diet and harm or help human health.
Human Nutrition eBook course online. It's surprising how little most people know about the human body and how it works. If we all spent just a small amount of time educating ourselves, we would save years in terms of health problems and hundreds of pounds otherwise spent on health care.
Throughout history there has been a vast array of nutritional claims and dietary advice. For example, there is evidence of dietary regimes involving fasting as far back as in Ancient Greece and many examples since of diet being used either to restrict intake to lose weight or to act as a cure for a medical complaint. Â This book will give you the background necessary to understand these theories and make better choices for yourself.
Book Contents
Chapter 1 The Digestive System -Everyone is different
Nutrition and nutrients
Digestion
General health recommendations
Examples of serving size
Chapter 2. Modyfying Diet for a Particular Lifestyle or Genetic Disposition
Lifestyle
Cultural differences
Genetic considerations
Chapter 3. Foods and Nutrition
Why do we need to know the nutritional content in foods?
Nutrients provided by the five food groups
Chapter 4. Nutrition and Health Disorders
How diet may affect skin
Diet and our bones, joints and muscles
Nutrition and the heart
Diet and the respiratory system
Diet and the urinary system
Diet and the digestive system
Diet and the brain/mental health
Chapter 5. How to Find Reliable information on Nutrition
Nutritional research
Sources of nutritional information
Conditions requiring dietary advice
Weight loss diets
JOB TIPS For a Career in the Food Service Industry
- A qualification can help you get started on a career and a foot in the door, but there is always more that you'll need.
- Volunteering is a great way to get experience. Don’t worry if it is unpaid as the experience gained far out-ways the loss of any income.
- Try preparing different cuisine at home with family and friends. The greater knowledge you have of food and beverages will certainly make you stand-out to employers; and clients.
- There is nothing like Networking in any profession. ADL's course will show you how and get you started in this course. Who you know if just as important as what you know that helps you get that job that you have dreamed of.
- Good Communication skills are essential. Food and Beverage is part of a service industry and therefore you need to be able to serve and communicate well with people.
- Successful professionals are willing to do anything to get started. Don't be too choosy. Waiting on tables or washing dishes is how many professional got.
- If you have developed your communication skills well, know your cuisine and are well networked you will definitely have an excellent chance in expanding your career and reaching those goals that you have set, as opposed to someone who just has the qualification, but, lacking communication skills,and the necessary food and beverage knowledge and skills demanded by the industry.
- Make your studies work for you!
You might like to view these other related ADL courses:    Proficiency Certificate in Tourism & Hospitality VTR001  Advanced Diploma In Hospitality & Tourism VHT005
Why Not Consider Designing Your Own Qualification         A great way to reap the benefits of choosing modules that will benefit you.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
