Safe food handling labels on take-out containers could help restaurants, expert says

As take-out food continues to increase in popularity, new research from Kansas State University has found that safe handling labels can help restaurants and food providers distinguish themselves in a competitive marketplace.

"With leftovers, people need information the moment they pull that container or clamshell package from the fridge," said Doug Powell, a K-State associate professor of food safety. "How long has it been in the fridge? Is it still safe? Our approach was to provide practical information, right on the container."

Powell, along with former graduate student Brae Surgeoner and Tanya MacLurin of the University of Guelph in Canada, designed a safe food handling label for take-out food after consulting numerous experts and consumers. They then worked with 10 restaurants in Ontario to provide food safety stickers for take-out food and subsequently interviewed managers about the utility of the stickers.

For the purpose of this research, takeout was defined as food procured from a casual dining restaurant--in other words, a sit-down restaurant--but eaten elsewhere, including food ordered as takeout and leftover food packaged to be taken home.

The researchers concluded that such a safe food handling label for take-out food was a promising value-added investment for restaurant operators as long as the stickers were used consistently and employees supported the initiative.

"We strive to provide the right food safety message in the right setting," Powell said. "Hand washing information should go over sinks and the back door of toilet stalls. Food preparation information should go in the back kitchen. Stickers with safe food handling information should go on the clamshell containers that people take home and put in the fridge. That's where the learning moment is."

The results are published in the October 2009 issue of Food Protection Trends.

Click for related articles

Canadian Cattlemen applaud request for WTO panel against mCOOL
K-State to host 61st Annual Kansas Income Tax Institute
Despite depressed market, landowners have opportunities to sell their timber
NRCS announces strong interest in new CSP
Vilsack announces $1.7 billion in CRP rental payments
Secretary of Ag Vilsack announces 2010 DCP, ACRE sign-up begins

---

article 2009- 44 - 1007KSUsafefoodhandlinglabe.cfm

Reader Comments KellieB — 10/30/2009 04:10:47 That is very good idea, we all know that one of the major basis on how to distinguish one’s companies competitiveness is the safe food handling labels for take out containers, that has practically has a good point. Admittedly, most of us prefers take out for some valid reasons—perhaps with this we will be secured that what we eat is safe and may not cause any illness that will need for us to get an internet loans before anything else happen. Add Your Comment To post a comment on this story, enter your screen name and email address then click "Add Comment." Your email address will not be displayed. 358 Recommend | 1 Comments

---

	Web hpj.com

Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2011.  High Plains Publishers, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com