PERSONAL HYGIENE HYGIENE: Introduction: Microbes live in & on the human body those that cause food borne

disease are present on the skin, in the nose & throat & in the gastrointestinal tract. A chain of events links a human carrier of food poisoning bacteria to the food directly or indirectly. Importance: People are involved in every stage of food preparation. Hence, microbes can be transmitted from them to the food. Thus food handlers should make a conscious effort to break this chain of infection good personal hygiene & good food service sanitation go hand in hand. * WHY IS CLEANLINESS NECESSARY FOR FOOD PROTECTION? Necessity: 1. 2. 3. 4. Health & well being of hundred people in his hands. Caterer is legally responsible for the wholesomeness of food supplied by him. It is moral obligation of every caterer to ensure that food is prepared & served hygienically. A careless food handler could be responsible for the spread of an epidemic. Cleanliness as a means of preventing disease.

Methods of spreading of infection: 1. From an infected worker who does * WHAT ARE THE METHODS OF SPREADING OF INFECTIONS? 1. Not report his ill health & continues working. 2. Cross contamination i.e. workers carry microbe from an infected area to one that previously hand no harm full microbes. 3. Sometimes, worker is a carrier & unknowingly spread the disease. This is the most dangerous of all food handlers as it is very difficult to trace the source of infection in such cases. Food poisoning does not happen it is caused by carelessness on part of food handler. WHY SHOULD STAFF EMPLOYED IN FOOD PREPARATION & SERVICE AREA BE IN A GOOD STATE OF HEALTH? Health of staff: Staff employed in food preparation & service should be in a state of good health because a. Work involves heavy physical exertion. b. Work with mental tension. c. Irregular meal timings. d. May have to lift heavy loads. e. Work in hot steamy kitchens. f. Be on their feet during working house. Hence they should be physically fit & monthly alert & capable of taking on spot decision and be able to handle crisis situations.

WHAT ROLE DOES AN EMPLOYER PLAY IN ENSURING THE HEALTH OF HIS EMPLOYEES? To achieve all this employer has to ensure good health & safe working condition for all employees by observing the following. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Compulsory medical checkup at time of recruitment. Medical checkups every 6 months & after ill ness, especially one related to gastro intestinal tract. Periodic deworming & necessary inoculation. Illnesses to be reported to management & ill workers to be kept away from food in that period. Personal cleanliness of employees like uniforms, hands, fingernails etc. Restrooms & lockers used by employees should be inspected for cleanliness. A nutrition and whole some meal should be provided to employees. Work area is to be safe & workers should be trained in proper methods of work. Work hours should be 48 hrs a week & in shifts. Weekly off in compulsory.

Good health & right attitude increases work efficiency & productivity of worker, which, in turn increases the profits of the establishment.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A GOOD PERSONAL APPERANCE? Personal appearance: A good personal appearance has the following advantages. 1. 2. 3. 4. Increases ones self confidence. Promotes business by improving performance at work. Reflects on standards set by organization. Inspires customer confidence & helps in attracting more of them.