Q. What is Sanitation in food service establishments?
We start our study of this topic by first defining what is sanitation? A three-word definition of food sanitation is protection from contamination. Primarily, sanitation comes from the Latin word Sanitas, which means health. Sanitation means creating and maintaining hygienic and healthful conditions. Food sanitation means creating and maintaining hygienic and healthful conditions in the food preparation, storing and serving areas.
Sanitation is a dynamic and ongoing function and cannot be sporadic or something that can be turned on once a day, once a week, etc. Therefore, another definition could be sanitation is a way of life. What do you think? Sure, you would agree with this concept.
So then, why is sanitation important in food service establishments? There can be no two views about the fact that all food products must be protected from contamination from receiving (and before) through distribution. Yes, contamination from microorganisms which can cause food spoilage and food borne diseases. Sanitary practices and hygienic conditions are important because food is being processed, prepared and sold in large volumes than before. Sanitation can reduce contamination of food by microorganisms which are a major cause of food borne illnesses.