On this World Food Safety Day, let us delve more into the various types of hazards that can affect food safety

Contaminated foods can cause a fatal outcome. From posing a risk to life and causing severe permanent damage to the body, it is of paramount importance to identify food hazards and ensure 360-degree food safety. Such measures not only protect individual health but also contribute to the overall well-being of communities. By being proactive in food safety practices, one can significantly reduce the incidence of foodborne illnesses and their associated economic and social burdens. However, it can be achieved only when it is considered a shared responsibility between consumers, food producers, and regulatory authorities like FSSAI. What consumers can do is, they can practice proper hygiene, store food at safe temperatures, cook thoroughly, and avoid consuming expired or damaged products. On the other hand, manufacturers of food products must ensure the implementation of robust quality control measures, adhere to good manufacturing practices, and maintain proper storage and transportation conditions.

On this World Food Safety Day, let us delve more into understanding what are the various types of hazards that can affect food safety.

To define, food safety hazards are generally of four types, biological, chemical, physical or allergens having the potential to degrade the food quality, which can further cause evident harm to the consumers. From food production and processing to handling and storage, these risks can arise at these various stages.

Biological Hazards: These hazards include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that can contaminate food and cause illnesses such as food poisoning or infections. Common examples include Salmonella, E. coli, and Norovirus.

Chemical Hazards: Chemicals such as pesticides, additives, allergens, and naturally occurring toxins can pose a risk to food safety. Consumption of contaminated food may lead to acute or chronic health issues. Proper labelling and handling of food products are crucial in mitigating chemical hazards.

Physical Hazards: Physical hazards refer to foreign objects that unintentionally enter food, such as glass, metal, plastic fragments, or stones. Ingesting these objects can cause choking or injuries. Stringent quality control measures are necessary to detect and eliminate physical hazards.

Allergenic Hazards: Allergenic hazards trigger allergic reactions in individuals with specific food allergies. These can include ingredients such as nuts, dairy, eggs, or gluten. Clear labelling and proper handling procedures are vital to avoid accidental exposure to allergens.

What can be done to ensure food safety?

Besides a vigilant approach like being mindful of unusual odours, discolouration, or changes in food texture, cutting-edge technology can play a pivotal role in ensuring food safety. Innovative solutions such as blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) ensure food safety in a way that enables traceability throughout the food supply chain, thereby, enhancing transparency and accountability.

 In addition, providing QR codes for product information which on access can give consumers information about the origin, handling, and safety of food products. These digital advancements empower individuals to make informed decisions and promote a safer food ecosystem. Moreover, keeping a check on expiration dates, giving a read to ingredient labels for allergens and ensuring segregation of raw and cooked foods can boost food safety practices preventing any untoward event.

(The writer is Founder & Director, Activist)