Health industry resources - Food safety

Food safety in health care is a daily challenge as there are many potential risks to hospital food at any point during its journey to the patient's tray. Large volumes of food are prepared, brought in by contractors, distributed though long corridors, kept warm at safe temperatures, served to a large number of patients by many hands.

Food hygiene and food safety in hospitals and aged care facilities is ensured by adequate risk management that incorporates staff training, regular food safety auditing and testing, and a wide range of products and services that assist food service staff to adhere to food safety standards and procedures.

Food safety training is an important part of risk management programs, especially in an environment with high staff turnover and a trend to employ casual staff. There is a growing number of Australian training companies specialising in food safety, with many offering online courses to an international audience.

Food standards set by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) are formally enforced by local governments and health departments of state and territory governments. Informally, hospitals and aged care facilities utilise internal inspection and audit as well as specialist consultants to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

This category features businesses that assist health and aged care facilities with food safety (HACCP-based food safety training, fridge/freezers thermometers, food safety workwear, food labels, temperature loggers for food transport and storage, and sanitation equipment among others.