[Q&A] Webinar Keamanan Pangan #2

Introduction

This tutorial summarizes key points from the Webinar Series on Food Safety, focusing on hygiene practices and employee health in food production during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is aimed at food business operators, government agencies, and anyone involved in food safety, providing practical insights to ensure food safety standards are met in the new normal.

Step 1: Understand the Role of Individuals in Food Safety

• Recognize that each employee plays a vital role in maintaining food safety.
• Emphasize personal responsibility, including:
  • Regular handwashing
  • Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Reporting any health issues immediately

Step 2: Implement Hygiene Practices in Food Production

• Establish stringent hygiene protocols in all areas of food production, including:
  • Sanitizing workspaces frequently
  • Ensuring cleanliness of equipment and tools
  • Limiting the number of staff in food preparation areas to maintain social distancing

Step 3: Maintain Employee Health Standards

• Monitor employee health regularly to prevent the spread of illness. This includes:
  • Conducting daily health checks
  • Providing training on recognizing symptoms of COVID-19
  • Encouraging sick employees to stay home

Step 4: Foster Communication and Training

• Conduct training sessions to educate employees about food safety and hygiene practices, focusing on:
  • Importance of food safety in the context of the pandemic
  • Best practices for hygiene tailored to specific roles within the food production process
• Encourage an open environment for discussing concerns and suggestions related to food safety.

Step 5: Collaborate with Food Safety Authorities

• Engage with local food safety authorities for guidance and support. This can include:
  • Regular consultations with agencies like BBPOM (Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan)
  • Participating in workshops and additional training sessions offered by food safety organizations

Conclusion

Maintaining food safety during the COVID-19 pandemic requires a collective effort from all individuals involved in food production. By understanding personal responsibilities, implementing strict hygiene practices, monitoring employee health, fostering communication, and collaborating with food safety authorities, businesses can ensure compliance with safety regulations and protect public health. Next steps include reviewing current practices, training staff, and regularly updating protocols as new guidance becomes available.