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‘Food safety is a right not a privilege.’ (Safefood, 2007) (a) To ensure that food is safe to eat, discuss the importance of each of the following: - food storage - cooking and reheating procedures - kitchen hygiene - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3 - 2012
Question 3
‘Food safety is a right not a privilege.’ (Safefood, 2007) (a) To ensure that food is safe to eat, discuss the importance of each of the following: - food storage... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:‘Food safety is a right not a privilege.’ (Safefood, 2007) (a) To ensure that food is safe to eat, discuss the importance of each of the following: - food storage - cooking and reheating procedures - kitchen hygiene - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3 - 2012
Step 1
To ensure that food is safe to eat, discuss the importance of food storage.
Answer
Food storage is crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses. Properly storing food helps to maintain its quality while inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms. It is essential to check the temperatures of refrigerators and freezers; ideally, the fridge should be below 5°C, and the freezer below -18°C. Vegetables should be stored without plastic to maintain freshness, and cooked foods must be kept separate from raw foods to avoid cross-contamination. Furthermore, food items should be kept covered and well ventilated to ensure optimal conditions.
Step 2
To ensure that food is safe to eat, discuss the importance of cooking and reheating procedures.
Answer
Cooking and reheating food thoroughly is vital to eliminate pathogens that can cause food-related illnesses. Foods should be defrosted fully before cooking, and large joints of meat must be cooked properly to ensure even heat distribution. Special attention should be paid to reheating, where food should reach a minimum temperature of 75°C to ensure safety. Using a food thermometer is recommended to confirm that these temperatures are reached.
Step 3
To ensure that food is safe to eat, discuss the importance of kitchen hygiene.
Answer
Kitchen hygiene is non-negotiable for food safety. It involves regular cleaning of surfaces and utensils, effective waste management, and ensuring proper personal hygiene among individuals preparing food. Measures such as hand washing and sanitizing surfaces reduce the risk of contamination. Implementing good hygiene standards helps in controlling the growth of microorganisms, thereby maintaining food safety.
Step 4
Name one method of home preservation that involves the application of heat and explain the principle involved.
Answer
One method of home preservation that involves the application of heat is canning, specifically through the process of sterilizing jars of preserved foods. This method uses heat to kill bacteria, yeasts, and molds that might cause spoilage. The process involves heating the food to a high temperature and sealing it in a jar to create a vacuum, which prevents new microorganisms from entering and helps to preserve the contents for an extended period.
Step 5
Outline the role of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in food safety.
Answer
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine plays a pivotal role in ensuring food safety by implementing regulations and monitoring food products across the supply chain. This includes setting safety standards for food production and processing, conducting inspections, and facilitating education on food safety practices. They are also involved in traceability systems to monitor food origins and enforce compliance with food safety laws, thus protecting consumer health.