If you’re thinking of pursuing some type of career in the food services industry, one of the most important things to learn has absolutely nothing to do with proper serving etiquette, how food is prepared, or even how food is stored. Above all else, you need to learn about proper food handling techniques and why they are important. Failure to do so could lead to mistakes that will not only make customers ill, but can also irreparably damage the reputation of a small business at the same time. When it comes to food handling, you always need to keep a few key things in mind.
Proper Food Handling
Many people assume that so long as they’ve washed their hands, are wearing gloves, and take similar types of precautions when transporting food from the kitchen to a customer’s table, they are doing everything they need to keep that food safe and secure at all times. This is a dangerous misconception.
In reality, food handling begins essentially the moment materials enter a business for the first time. All hands and surfaces don’t just need to be properly washed – they need to be properly washed often. Raw meats need to be kept far away from other types of foods so that certain contaminants don’t spread from one location to the other. Foods need to be refrigerated promptly and food thermometers also need to be used to regularly measure the internal temperatures of things like meats for the absolute best possible results.
Food Safety and Risks
More than just learning how to handle food safely, however, one of the key skills that you’ll need for your job on a daily basis involves the ability to identify and assess certain safety hazards that may be present. Remember that not only are you trying to handle food in the cleanest and most hygienic way possible in the hospitality industry for the benefits of customers, but you also have to look out for the business that you work for (or that you run yourself) at the same time.
Learning to assess these types of risks and learning the proper techniques to use to monitor food safety and food handling in the workplace will prevent food from going bad or becoming dangerous to serve, which will ultimately prevent wasted resources and wasted money at the same time.
At RSA Melbourne, we believe that proper food handling is one of the keys to running the most successful business possible in the food service industry. It will not only benefit your career, but also the people you will eventually come to know and depend on as customers. In addition to our food preparation course, we also offer a wide range of other courses designed to allow you to have the career and lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of. Please contact RSA Melbourne today to find out more about how we can help you achieve all of your goals and more.
