Food safety is everyone’s business. From producing, processing, and distributing to consumption, no one is excluded. As the world commemorates World Food Safety Day, the clarion call is to prepare for the unexpected.
According to Josiah Njuguna, a food technologist, the unexpected referred to are food safety incidents in the food supply chain, where there is a potential risk or illness associated with the consumption of foods.
“The risks may lead to contamination of food and or environmental pollution. The clarion call is proactiveness in averting and managing ‘the unexpected’. A call to all stakeholders to embrace the very important food safety culture,” he said.
Njuguna has over a decade of experience in food safety, processing, and value addition.
What is food safety?
Food safety is a multifaceted concept that encompasses the practices and regulations designed to ensure that the food we consume, is free from harmful contaminants, pathogens, and adulterants.
According to Grace Gathoni, a food scientist and technologist, it is a critical aspect of public health that aims to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses and promote overall food quality.
“In today’s globalised food supply chain, ensuring food safety has become increasingly complex. With food travelling vast distances and passing through numerous hands before reaching our plates, the potential for contamination increases. Food safety measures help mitigate these risks, safeguarding our health and well-being,” she said.
Gathoni adds that by understanding the principles of food safety and adhering to best practices, we can all contribute to a healthier and more secure food system.
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Food safety on the farm
Ntobeko Mafu, farmer and founder of Madame Clucks A Lot, a poultry and crop farm based in KwaZulu-Natal, says to enhance traceability and transparency in their food production process, Madame Clucks A Lot has committed itself to using only free-range and organic farming methods.
“We go a step further by involving our customers directly. When they visit our sites, they can observe the entire process first-hand. For instance, if a customer purchases a chicken and we have not yet slaughtered one, they can witness the process themselves, ensuring complete transparency,” she explains.
In the near future, Madame Clucks A Lot plans to implement comprehensive labelling on their products, detailing every component used in their production. Furthermore, they are also exploring the idea of incorporating QR codes on their packaging.
“Consumers can scan to access information about our products’ origins, what farming practises we use and more.”
Already they are leveraging their website and social media platforms to regularly share stories and videos showcasing farm practices.
Mafu’s advice to small-scale farmers:
- Follow the right biosecurity measures.
- Ensure biosecurity signage is in place.
- Stay informed and educated about biosecurity measures and protocols.
- Consider enrolling in a course, either in person or online, if not familiar with biosecurity.
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