As summer 2025 begins, food safety supervisors and hospitality staff in hospitals and aged care facilities face heightened challenges in maintaining compliance and protecting vulnerable populations. Rising temperatures significantly increase the risk of foodborne illnesses, making temperature control essential to ensuring food safety.
Why Temperature Control Matters
Bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli thrive between 5°C and 60°C—the “danger zone”—where they can double every 20 minutes. For aged care residents and hospital patients, who are especially susceptible to foodborne illnesses, strict adherence to temperature control protocols is non-negotiable. Compliance with Australia’s Food Standards Code requires vigilance at every step, from storage to serving.
Key Tips for Managing Food Safety
1. Cold Storage:
Ensure refrigerators are below 5°C and freezers below -18°C. Regularly check and log temperatures using calibrated thermometers.
2. Rapid Cooling of Cooked Food:
Cool food to 5°C quickly using shallow containers, ice baths, or blast chillers to prevent prolonged exposure to the danger zone.
3. Hot Holding:
Keep hot food above 60°C using bain-maries or hot boxes, and check temperatures frequently during service.
4. Hygiene and Waste Management:
Maintain high hygiene standards, especially during hot weather. Discard food left in the danger zone for more than two hours.
5. Training and Awareness:
Equip your team with proper food safety training to handle summer’s unique challenges confidently and effectively.
Why Training Matters
Knowledgeable staff are your first line of defence against food safety risks. Comprehensive courses tailored to health and aged care facilities address critical areas like temperature control, hazard identification, and compliance requirements.
CFT International offers Food Safety Supervisor Training and Community and Health Food Safety Courses, both designed to meet the specific needs of hospital and aged care environments.
Need a Refresher?
Already have a Food Safety Certificate? Stay compliant with our Food Safety Supervisor Refresher Course.
Start 2025 Right
Don’t let the summer heat compromise your commitment to safety. Invest in the right training to empower your team and protect those who rely on your care.
Explore CFT Food Safety Courses and ensure your team is ready to meet food safety challenges head-on.
Let’s work together to make this summer safe and compliant for everyone in the hospitality, health, and aged care sectors.
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