Food, hygiene and sanitation

Alternative names:

hygiene, food and sanitation; sanitation, food and hygiene

Definition:

The conditions and practices that preserve the quality of food to prevent spoilage and contamination.

Functions:

Proper handling and preparation of food greatly reduces the risks of getting food poisoning from foods. Food can be contaminated in many different ways. It can occur before a food is packaged in a jar, can, or other package, because these packages contain microorganisms. Food can also be contaminated by nature, because microorganisms are everywhere. If food is not properly prepared, stored, or protected it can allow the germs to multiply and cause disease.