Food safety is the process in which the food is checked for contamination through overseeing the growing, collecting, processing, packaging, and serving of the food. These steps are important as it helps prevent viruses and diseases from infecting the crop to infecting our plates.
Throughout this paper we will be discussing 3 key tools used in Florida food safety: 1) Farming Equipments - farming equipment aids in growing and processing of food. University of Florida points out how farming equipment is designed and innovated to safely handle food. The best way to move forward in Florida with farming equipment technology is by investing in sustainable equipment, following protocols designed by environmental protection agencies when creating sustainable machines. 2) Food Safety Programs - Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Food Safety proactively monitors food from manufacturing and distribution to retail, ensuring food safety laws are followed through permits and safety alerts. Department of Business and Professional Regulation regulates restaurants, mobile food vehicles, caterers, and public food service events. Florida Department of Health manages foodborne illnesses. 3) Inspections - inspections make sure food is actually safe for consumers. In Florida there are specific guidance questions inspectors look for when examining food safety. The frequency of inspections depends on the type of organization. Florida residents can search which organizations have the stamp of approval at foodpermit.fdacs.gov.