Business Of Gift Hamper Sales & Delivery/24/06/2024
Recommendations for Preventing Cholera Transmission in Food Services In The Hospital.
By Abosede Adediran, MBA
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adediran-abosede-661589254
As a Food technologist and a hospitality & catering expert working in a hospital environment, it is crucial to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of food during any suspected outbreak of a Food borne or water borne diseases.The following recommendations aim to safeguard our community by promoting strict food safety practices in our canteen and advising the public on safe food consumption.
Awareness and Education
1. Inform Staff and Hospital Outpatient/Customers / Visitors.
- Conduct training sessions for kitchen and canteen staff on the importance of food safety, especially during an outbreak.
- Educate customers on the risks of cholera and how it spreads through contaminated food and water.
2. Distribute Educational Materials:
- Provide pamphlets or posters explaining cholera symptoms, transmission, and prevention methods.
- Use visual aids to emphasize the importance of handwashing and proper food handling.
3.Food Safety Practices: Ensuring Proper Food Handling
- Ensure that all food is cooked thoroughly, as high temperatures kill the cholera bacteria.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and cutting boards for raw and cooked foods.
4. Maintain Hygiene Standards:
- Ensure all staff practice good personal hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap and water.
- Provide handwashing stations with soap and hand sanitizers in the canteen.
5. Monitor Water Quality
This is a major HACCP to take note of in handling cholera because it is a water and food borne disease.
- Use only safe, treated water for cooking and cleaning. Boil or treat water if its safety is uncertain.
- Ensure that ice is made from safe water and stored hygienically.
Enhancing Kitchen & Canteen Safety
6. Regular Inspections and Cleanliness
- Conduct regular inspections to ensure adherence to strict hygiene standards.
- Keep the kitchen and dining areas clean and sanitized.
7. Safe Food Storage
- Store food at appropriate temperatures to prevent bacterial growth.
- Cover and store food properly to protect it from contamination.
Communication with the Public
8. Advise on Safe Food Consumption
- Encourage people to eat freshly prepared, hot food and avoid raw or undercooked items.
- Advise against eating from street vendors or places where food safety cannot be guaranteed.
9. Promote Hospital Canteen Services To Staff & Outpatients.
- Highlight the safety measures our canteen is taking to ensure food safety.
- Assure customers that eating at our hospital canteen is a safer option compared to outside food vendors during the outbreak.
Collaboration with Health Authorities
10. Work with Public Health Officials
- Collaborate with local health authorities to stay updated on the cholera situation and receive guidance.
- Report any suspected cases of cholera promptly to health officials.
By implementing these recommendations, we can significantly reduce the risk of cholera transmission and provide a safer environment for our community.
Abosede Adediran MBA
Principal Catering Officer
GH, Ikorodu.
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adediran-abosede-661589254
