June 7 is celebrated as “World Food Safety Day”, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UN) through Resolution A/RES/73/250.
The date offers an opportunity to highlight the efforts made to ensure that the food we eat does not make us sick.
The National Service for Agri-Food Health and Quality (Senasa) is the Argentine State agency responsible for implementing national policies on animal and plant health and quality, and food safety.
That is why on this international day it is relevant to highlight the functions that protect the public health, trade, agriculture and sustainable development.
Food safety is the absence – at safe and acceptable levels – of hazards that may harm the health of consumers.. Foodborne hazards can be biological, chemical or physical in nature (such as bacteria, viruses or residues, among others).
To achieve and maintain safety in the agri-food chain, Senasa inspects establishments and plants and certifies processes and products through a control that guides production towards obtaining quality and safe agri-foods.
For their part, consumers – as the final link in the chain – have the responsibility to ensure that the preservation and/or storage and preparation of food are adequate so that the food purchased is not harmful.
In this framework, Senasa reports on the 5 keys to food safety of food:
- Separate raw foods from cooked foods: Use separate equipment and utensils (knives, cutting boards) to handle raw foods. Store raw and cooked foods in separate containers.
- Keeping food at safe temperatures: Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours and cool cooked and perishable foods as soon as possible. Do not defrost food at room temperature.
- Cook completely: Especially red meat, poultry, fish and eggs. Boil soups and stews. For red meat and poultry, make sure there are no red parts left inside. Reheat cooked food thoroughly.
- Use safe water and raw materials: It should be tap water or it should be treated with water before consumption. Choose fresh or processed foods such as pasteurized milk. Wash fruits and vegetables, especially if they are going to be consumed raw, and do not use food after the expiration date.
- Keep it clean: Wash your hands with soap for 40 to 60 seconds before and during food preparation, and after using the bathroom. Wash and disinfect all surfaces, equipment, and utensils. Protect food and the kitchen area from insects, pets, or other animals.
Incorporating these basic guidelines into food preparation and consumption is key to maintaining food safety and protecting public health.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
