All industries and businesses that deal with food and beverages must conduct a food safety inspection. It consists of standardized steps to remove health risk factors. Because of the thorough process, this inspection can be time-consuming and still poses risks from human error.

What are the key points of a food safety inspection? How can you make the process more efficient with lower risks? 

What is Food Safety Inspection?

Food safety inspection refers to a thorough inspection process to detect microbes, germs, and other unsafe elements from food. It is a standard procedure for all businesses and industries that deal with foods and drinks. Food safety inspection is a mandatory step everyone in the industry must do. 

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Important Elements in Food Safety Inspection

According to the World Health Organization, there are five key elements to perform during a food safety inspection. Here is the breakdown:

1. Cleanliness and Hygiene

Cleaning is the first step to perform in all food preparations. Dangerous microorganisms from water, soil, people, and animals can stick on ingredients, utensils, equipment, and hands. You can transfer them from one surface to the other, even with the smallest contact. 

Important steps to take include:

• Washing hands and utensils before and after food preparation
• Washing hands after using the toilet or handling trash and raw meat
• Sanitizing all surfaces used for working and cooking
• Protecting the cooking area from sand, dust, animals, and pests

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2. Separation between Raw and Cooked Ingredients

Raw ingredients like meat, poultry, and raw vegetables contain microorganisms. If you do not separate them from cooked ingredients, dangerous microorganisms can find their way to food and make everyone sick. This is known as “cross-contamination.”

Important steps to take include:

• Separating raw ingredients from other products when shopping 
• Using separate utensils and working surfaces when handling raw ingredients
• Storing foods within airtight containers and lids

3. Thorough Cooking

Thorough cooking, especially with a minimum temperature of 70 degrees Celsius, can eliminate most of the dangerous microorganisms. This applies to ingredients like poultry and meat, especially the ones cooked in large pieces.

Important steps to take include:

• Bringing water and broth to boiling point and letting the heat on for an additional one minute
• Using a thermometer to check the temperature of meat or poultry 
• Reheating food thoroughly and evenly

4. Keeping Food at Safe Temperatures

Proper food storage is also a key part of food safety inspection. Ideally, food should be stored at a temperature above 60 or below 5 degrees Celsius. When storing various food items in containers, label them with the food names and the dates of storing them. They will help you in managing safe food storage.

Important steps to take include:

• Refrigerating perishable foods at the recommended low temperature
• Serving food at hot temperature
• Not storing leftovers for more than three days in the fridge
• Letting the hot food cool down before storing it in the fridge

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5. Using Raw Ingredients and Water Safely

Water, ice cubes, and raw ingredients can contain toxic chemicals and microorganisms. You must conduct proper food preparation to avoid getting sick or causing sickness.

Important steps to take include:

• Only using treated/safe water for cooking
• Bringing water to boil before making beverages or ice cubes
• Washing fruits and vegetables before consuming
• Using clean, filtered water to wash utensils and clean cooking station

Digital Checklist and Food Safety

Digital checklists like Nimbly makes food inspection easier. You can adjust the indicator and apply it in every quality control step. This way, you will not miss a single important step. If there are steps that you miss, there will be notifications to remind you.

Use a digital checklist like Nimbly so you do not miss a single step. Nimbly makes food safety inspection easier to do, without grave mistakes. Download Nimbly now and make sure to list all the important tasks for healthier consumption!