How do we keep informed about current food safety and hygiene practices and ensure that all educators, co-ordinators and staff members consistently implement these practices?
Food Foundations Sub Food Foundations News
Spotlight on Element 2.1.3: Effective hygiene practices are promoted and implemented.
How do we keep informed about current food safety and hygiene practices and ensure that all educators, co-ordinators and staff members consistently implement these practices?
The Guide to the National Quality Standard outlines questions to guide reflection on practice for standard 2.1. One of these important questions asks, “How do we keep informed about current food safety and hygiene practices and ensure that all educators, co-ordinators and staff members consistently implement these practices?“
So, how do you stay informed? Consider the following opportunities:
- Make the most of your Food Foundations subscription – read our newsletters and access the online resources – http://naqld.org/services/food-foundations/
- Review your food safety policy annually
- Access information from reputable industry websites, including:
- Annual Safe Food Handling training for all staff – click here for information
- Include food safety reminders in memos and staff communication and display reminder posters throughout your setting:
The next step is to make sure all educators, co-ordinators and staff members are consistently implementing best practice. We recommend the following:
- Monthly review of all completed food safety records by the Food Safety Supervisor and/or Director.
- Regular informal conversations with staff to ensure they have a good understanding of setting food safety policies.
- Use your food safety policy as a tool during safe food handling training.
- Make food safety a regular agenda item at staff meetings.
- Conduct quarterly internal food safety audits.