Another year has passed and we are now on the cusp of 2022. It has been a very tumultuous last two years in the advent of Covid-19 and the challenges it brought forth. Those challenges have not only impacted the food industry but the economy and health care systems worldwide. Covid-19 has forced many of us to rethink the way we do business, the way we meet our bottom line and service customers.
Now more than ever businesses have had to focus on the technological aspects of their business and make customer safety a priority. Those who were slow to embrace this ever evolving model have found themselves quickly pivoting and reorganizing their business plans to adapt to the new normal.
How has this impacted food safety? Now more than ever people are aware of the need for sanitizing and cleanliness. We have seen the use of hand sanitizers and surface sanitizers skyrocket and the term “sanitize” is now part of everyday vocabulary. Organizations have had to pivot and adopt new and sometimes find innovative ways to reduce cross-contamination and increase sanitizing especially in high contact areas. These areas include terminals, door knobs, counter tops, tables, chairs, etc.
Employee training has increased greatly and investments have been made in the areas of Cleaning and Sanitizing and safe food handling practices. The results of their efforts has been increased consumer confidence in food establishments and their ability to follow Covid-19 Public Health protocols.
Directional signage has been introduced which looks like it is here to stay. Directing people where to walk with the purpose of increasing physical distancing and decreasing close contact. Handwashing signage, mask wearing and, in some instances, glove wearing signage is very visible alongside the mandatory physical distancing signage. Depending on your province, territory, state, town, or municipality, the signage will reflect Public Health orders.
Food safety and food handling is important during this time and FoodPrep Food Safety training has seen a marked increase in customer questions about food handling and food safety practices. The FoodPrep course covers many of these areas and teaches about Safe Food Handling, Foodborne Illness and Microorganisms along with Laws and Sanitation practices. A certified Food Handler is a confident individual who ensures the public safety is priority in which safe food handling practices and regulations are followed.
As we close 2021 and the news is rife with stories of the Omicron virus, we can be confident that the foodservice and restaurant industry has worked diligently to ensure that the public is safe and mechanisms are in place to quickly pivot to the adopt to any changing Public Health measures. At FoodPrep, our mantra is “Food safety makes sense” and now more than ever, safe food handling, great food handler training and food safety practices will help carry us into a productive and safe 2022.
Happy Holidays and stay safe.
Photo Credit: Valentin Balan on Unsplash