Food Safety
Food safety is essential for maintaining public health, focusing on ensuring that food is safe for human consumption. Unsafe food can result in food-borne illnesses, which pose significant public health risks globally, especially in regions like India where high rates of food-related diseases exist. The section emphasizes the importance of understanding food safety concepts, including toxicity, hazards, and the significance of standards and regulations like the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
Key Points Covered
- Definition of Food Safety: Ensuring food is fit for human consumption according to intended use.
- Importance of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS): This includes systems like HACCP & GMP that ensure food safety from production to consumption.
- Hazards in Food: The section delineates types of hazards, including biological, physical, and chemical hazards that can compromise food safety.
- Emerging Concerns: Microbial adaptations and changes in human behavior that affect food safety.
- Food Standards: Importance of adherence to national and international food safety standards to facilitate food trade and protect consumer health.
In summary, food safety is a multifaceted concern that impacts individual health, economic stability, and industry practices.