What is the best way to prevent the deliberate contamination of food

What is the best way to protect food from deliberate tampering? Make it as difficult as possible for someone to tamper with it.

> Introduction. The intentional contamination of food, for the purpose of this document, means the deliberate adding of a foreign substance to food products. Intentional contamination is a deliberate action to introduce something into a product, often with the intention to do harm to the consumer, the company or both.

In response to increased reports of intentional food contamination, the U.S. Food and medicine Administration developed the ALERT Food Defense Awareness program. This program identifies five key points that industry and businesses can voluntarily use to decrease the risk of intentional contamination of their food product.

The easiest way to prevent cross contamination is by properly washing hands before cooking and in between tasks and by keeping raw foods and ready to eat foods separated.

Keep it clean:

To prevent this: Wash hands with soap and hot water before and after handling food, and after using the bathroom, changing diapers; or handling pets. Use hot, soapy water and paper towels or clean cloths to wipe up kitchen surfaces or spills. Wash cloths often in the hot cycle of your washing machine.

To prevent food poisoning, take the following steps when preparing food: Carefully wash your hands often, and always before cooking or cleaning. Always wash them again after touching raw meat. Clean dishes and utensils that have had any contact with raw meat, poultry, fish, or eggs.

Reminding employees to wash their hands after handling raw meats or fish, and after using the restroom. Using separate equipment for different foods. This includes cutting boards, utensils, appliances, cutlery, etc. Sanitizing all work surfaces after they’ve been used.

Use Separate Equipment to Prevent Cross-Contamination

Use separate plates and utensils for cooked and raw foods. Use more than one cutting board – one for fresh produce and one for raw meat, poultry or seafood. Be sure to replace these cutting boards once they get breaks or excessive cuts from your knives.