What is a physical hazard
presence of foreign object in food that can cause injury/illness
What are food borne illnesses caused by?
- foreign objects
- harmful microorganisms
- chemicals
in food
How can chemical hazards be introduced to food?
- accidentally
- deliberately
- occur naturally in the food
How can chemicals accidentally come in contact with food?
- careless use of insecticides
- cleaning agents next to open food
- storing acidic food in metal containers
Name 2 ways of deliberate chemical usage in food
- adding sulphites (maintain color/freshness)
- adding MSG (enhance flavor)
In which place can sulphites be added to food?
-licensed food processing plant
In which case is use of MSG appropriate?
- in moderation
- disclosed on menu
Example of food that can be naturally hazardous
-poisonous mushroom
What is the name of the poison found in puffer fish?
-tetrodotoxin
What can consumption of tetrodotoxin result in and how is it avoided?
- death
- avoided by cutting poisonous bit out of fish
Name 2 harmful chemicals that fish can absorb from their habitat
- mercury
- penta chlorophenol (PCP)
Which poison causes the food borne illness ciquatera?
ciguatoxin
What can be the cause of Scombroid poisoning
- eating fish from the Scombroidae fam (tuna, mackeral)
- eating some non Scombroidae fish (dolphin, bluefish, amberjacks)
Describe the process of Scombroid poisoning
- certain fish have histidine in flesh
- histidine converted to histamine (while decomposing)
- triggers allergic reaction
- mimics heart attack
What are the 2 types of microorganisms that can be seen under a microscope?
- bacteria
- virus
How are parasites visible?
Under intense source of light (candling)
When can fungi be seen?
when sufficient colonies have formed
What is a food allergy?
reaction to ingredient that body mistakenly believes to be harmful
4 mild allergy symptoms
- wheezing
- swelling in face/eyes
- itching
- hives
2 severe allergy symptoms
- death
- unconsciousness
8 most common allergens
- Fish
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Eggs
- Milk
- Soy
List 3 additives/their functions that may cause allergies
- nitrates: meat, for redness
- sulphites: fruit/veg, for freshness
- MSG: enhance flavour
What is the most significant type of health hazard?
-biological
