In the UK the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for safety and food hygiene, while in the US it is the job of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make sure rules and regulations are adhered to.
Working with local authorities, the FSA carries out a range of work to make sure food is safe to eat, including funding research on chemical, microbiological and radiological safety, as well as food hygiene and allergies.
Similarly, the FDA is responsible for protecting public health by assuring the safety and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, and America's food supply.
Both the FSA and FDA in conjunction with the relative health department, will have established a number of laws and systems to ensure that food preparation and storage remains uncontaminated.
Most laboratories will issue those entering them with a check-list, or a set of rules that must be applied and followed. Failure to do this may cause contamination, allowing impurities into experiments and food testing/preparation.
Safe conduct in a lab will consist of the following, however it is always worth contacting the lab you intend to work in, for a more detailed break-down of regulations.
Food laboratory rules:
Working with local authorities, the FSA carries out a range of work to make sure food is safe to eat, including funding research on chemical, microbiological and radiological safety, as well as food hygiene and allergies.
Similarly, the FDA is responsible for protecting public health by assuring the safety and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, and America's food supply.
Both the FSA and FDA in conjunction with the relative health department, will have established a number of laws and systems to ensure that food preparation and storage remains uncontaminated.
Most laboratories will issue those entering them with a check-list, or a set of rules that must be applied and followed. Failure to do this may cause contamination, allowing impurities into experiments and food testing/preparation.
Safe conduct in a lab will consist of the following, however it is always worth contacting the lab you intend to work in, for a more detailed break-down of regulations.
Food laboratory rules:
- Only work in your assigned area.
- Make sure a hair net is worn at all times.
- Dry your hands on paper towels, not with the dish towels.
- No running or playing of any kind is permitted in the lab.
- Talking is permitted in the lab only if it is kept in whispered voices.
- Observe all common sense safety precautions.
- Follow instructions for your lab exactly.
- Treat all appliances and equipment with respect.
- Wash each item carefully in hot soapy water.
- Clean all counter tops, appliance surfaces, and tables thoroughly before the beginning, and at the end of your time in the lab.
- Put all clean and dried appliances, utensils and equipment in their proper places.
- Place dishpan, dish drain board, dish soap and hand soap under the sink.
- Dry out sink with dish towel.
- Place all linens in a laundry basket.
- Sweep the floor.
- Double check all surfaces and items in your area.
