Caregiver Education: The Importance Of Food Safety In The Wake Of A Pandemic
Over the past few months, COVID-19 has introduced change in all aspects of life, but particularly in the way we approach food safety and security. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will release a blueprint for building a traceable, safer food system, which will incorporate knowledge gained over the course of COVID-19’s progression. At Affordable Medical Supply, we know that our clients are high-risk in this pandemic, so it is of utmost importance for caregiver education resources to be available so our caregivers can be up-to-date with food safety regulations in all of our assisted living facilities.
Advancements In Food Safety
There are three key aspects of the blueprint that we want to educate our caregivers on and call attention to.
1. Enhanced Tech-Enabled Traceability
Traceability refers to the ability to track something, such as food, from its origin, and follow its path or development. This quality proved vital in keeping clients safe through the development of the pandemic as it helped halt food-borne outbreaks of COVID-19.
By making use of new technologies, products are traced as they move through the supply chain. Their locations are known from the moment they are grown or made, up until they are sold to the consumer. This traceability means that contaminated food can rapidly be traced back to its source – preventing further spread of disease in a food-borne outbreak.
Better traceability is helpful in terms of understanding the impact on supply chains during public health emergencies. These technologies could pave the way to deeper understanding and the ability to anticipate shifts in the market which result in both food waste and product shortages.
2. Prevention & Online Food Protection
Various tools are being called for, such as root cause analyses which show the origin of contamination, and predictive analytics which looks at the likelihood of contamination.
The importance of inspections is also being highlighted, especially remote and virtual inspections. Inspections will be carried out for food ordered online and delivered to customers’ homes. In light of the social distancing required to avoid spreading COVID-19, more families have turned to online food stores and restaurants. Unsurprisingly, caregivers have followed suit to limit contact with crowds of people.
The pandemic has caused a surge in awareness of the need for the safe production, packaging, and transportation of food. Smarter tools are necessary to protect the vulnerable around us, at all times; especially in the middle of a global pandemic.
3. Food Safety Everywhere
Finally, there is the call for food safety at all stages of its delivery. The food safety culture on farms, in restaurants, in grocery stores, and at home needs a drastic shift. COVID-19 has shown us how well we are able to apply food safety precautions. Additionally, it illustrates the need for this to become the norm. It has become clear that every person who interacts with food is responsible for keeping it safe for consumption. It’s even more evident that these people need to be kept safe themselves.
Education surrounding food safety is a top priority for the FDA, whether it is to those who cook for their family or those who cook as their job. Food safety will only be achieved if every person prioritizes it and works together to ensure it happens.
The Resilience Of The Food Industry
Despite the many challenges it has faced, the food industry has proved that it is resilient and determined to provide for the people in our country. It has recovered from unpredictable stock imbalances and risen to the challenge of increasing sanitation throughout each step of the food system.
Quality Caregiver Education With Affordable Medical Supply
Food safety has protected consumers from many diseases for years, but still required a drastic upgrade when COVID-19 began spreading. Educating our caregivers on the extra measures needed to keep our clients safe has been our top priority.
If your loved one is in need of quality, specialized care, Contact Affordable Medical Supply today at (954) 484-7599 to discuss the best options for your family.
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