Food Safety Sources
Access our library of resources that supplement our courses.
Bacteria and viruses are the most common cause of food poisoning, with symptoms and severity varying depending on which bacteria or virus has contaminated the food. To prevent illness, always follow the food safety steps: clean, separate, cook, and chill.
Princeton University Environmental Health and Safety
Any food that consists in whole or in part of milk or milk products, eggs, meat, poultry, rice, fish, shellfish, edible crustacean, raw-seed sprouts, heat-treated vegetables and vegetable products, and other ingredients in a form capable of supporting rapid and progressive growth of microorganisms.
The Town of Concord Massachusetts
A food which supports the growth of disease-causing bacteria. If bacteria growth occurs, illness can result. Examples of such foods are: milk and milk products, hamburgers, chicken, burritos, chili, eggs, fish, cooked rice, cooked beans, egg rolls, cooked pasta, meat gravies, custard desserts and some cream-filled pastries and cut vegetables, i.e. lettuce, tomatoes, cantaloupe, bean sprouts.
Healthy Living: What is Ready to Eat Food?
Foods prepared so they can be consumed as is, without any additional cooking, are ready-to-eat foods and can be refrigerated, shelf-stable, require minimal heating, or served hot, having specific guidelines to ensure that there is no contamination or chance of bacteria forming after the foods have already been prepared.
Bacteria grow most rapidly on food left out too long at room temperature between 40 °F and 140 °F – known as the ‘Danger Zone’ – doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes.
Hot and Cold Holding Guidelines
Food held for service is at risk for time-temperature abuse and cross-contamination and must, therefore, be regulated with policies that reduce these risks.
Guidelines for how to cook raw meat, poultry, seafood, and other foods to a safe minimum internal temperature, always using a food thermometer to check whether meat has reached a safe minimum internal temperature that is hot enough to kill harmful germs that cause food poisoning.
County of Sacramento, California Environmental Management Department
The California Retail Food Code (CalCode) Section 114093 requires a “Consumer Advisory” for animal foods, including beef, eggs, fish, lamb, milk, pork, poultry, or shellfish served or sold raw, undercooked, or without otherwise being processed to eliminate pathogens, either in ready-to-eat form or as an ingredient in another ready-to-eat food. A retail food facility permit holder shall inform consumers of the significantly increased risk of consuming such foods.
United States Department of Agriculture
It is essential to use a food thermometer when cooking meat, poultry, and egg products to prevent undercooking and verify that food has reached a safe minimum internal temperature, preventing foodborne illness.
University of Minnesota Extension
Improper cooling practices are a substantial cause of foodborne illness, but these best practices can help reduce the risk when cooling hot food.
United States Department of Agriculture
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave, or you can cook foods from a frozen state.
Commercial Dishwasher Health Code Inspection
Facts and tips to help you understand how to correctly measure and document your dishwasher temperatures and make sure it passes every commercial dishwasher health inspection.
Learn the steps to safely hand wash dishes when a dishwasher isn't available.
Canadian Institute of Food Safety
Learn what food contamination is, the different types and sources of contamination, and preventative steps to take that ensure food safety.
Pests – such as cockroaches, rodents, flies, and stored-product pests – can carry foodborne illnesses and must be prevented from contaminating food.
Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces
Improve your hygiene practices when it comes to sanitizing food contact surfaces in both the front and back of the house and provide the cleanest possible dining area for customers, ensuring that you remain compliant with FDA Food Code guidelines and provide a safe, comfortable environment for guests.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Learn about different types of hazards that exist in the workplace.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
A root cause is a fundamental, underlying, system-related reason explaining why an incident occurred that identifies one or more correctable system failures, and by conducting an analysis and addressing root causes, an employer may be able to prevent the same or a similar incident from recurring.
The Law Office of Kneisler & Schondel
It is vital to accurately document how a work injury happens, who witnesses it, a detailed list of all of your symptoms, and each body part that may be impacted by this injury.
There are more risks involved in coming to work sick than just delaying getting better, including the risk of spreading illness to other employees or compromised customers, therefore employers should promote a working cultural environment that supports employees taking sick time when needed.
Access a list of terminology incorporated and utilized by the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
Better Work: Guidelines on the Prevention of Workplace Harassment
Based on national and international labor standards as well as relevant legislation on the prevention of workplace harassment, these guidelines cover what workplace harassment is, the basis and forms of workplace harassment, sexual harassment at the workplace, bullying at the workplace, potential consequences of workplace harassment, prevention of sexual harassment, and mechanisms to respond to cases of sexual harassment.
U.S. Department of Labor and California Chamber of Commerce
Ensure meal and rest break compliance by understanding legal requirements in California.
Federal Breaks and Meal Period
Ensure meal and rest break compliance by understanding federal legal requirements.
State of California Department of Industrial Relations
Get answers to frequently asked questions about the minimum wage in California.