Chef F&B Knowledge

CHEESE

FAT TOM is a mnemonic device used in the food service industry to describe the six favorable conditions required for the growth of foodborne pathogens. It is an acronym for food, acidity, time, temperature, oxygen and moisture.

Food:Food rich in protein and carbohydrate are more easily contaminated.

Examples: eggs, rice, fish, meat, bread, noodles



Acid: When protein- and carbohydrate-rich food are exposed to contamination, their components will turn acidic, which in turn makes them dangerously inedible



Temperature:Bacteria thrives most actively in temperatures between 56.7ºC and 5ºC, often resulting in spoilt food. This range is known as Food Temperature Danger Zone (TDZ)

Time:Food in the TDZ can only be stored for a maximum of 4 hours

Oxygen: Microorganisms require oxygen to breed, so food in the TDZ must be kept in airtight storage



Moisture: Bacteria multiplies in high-moisture conditions, therefore both raw and cooked food have to be stored in dry place.



Three ways to avoid food contamination

Time and Temperature

· Refrigerate cooked food

· Ensure dry storage temperature between 10ºC to 21ºC

· Ensure food are cooked thoroughly in order to kill microorganisms to an acceptable

level

· Proceed with extra caution when cooking in batches

· Cook food at a suitable temperature of above 63ºC

Cross contamination

· Package and tag ingredients according to the received, manufactured and expiration dates, and quantities

· Practice the ‘first in, first out’ (FIFO) rule for stock rotation

· Avoid toxic and poisonous substances in the food storage area

· Ensure food is stored in boxes or elevated platforms away from the floor

· Avoid using the same cooking appliance and tool on different food products

· Use food covers to avoid environmental contamination

Personal hygiene

· Wash your hands after handling raw materials and after visiting the washroom

· Wear a cap or hair net

· Cover all wounds

· Keep nails short and clean

· Wear an apron

· Wear a face mask when unwell