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Warmth | The temperature range between 5 and 63 degrees Celsius is rated as the danger zone because bacteria are able to grow at these temperatures. If we are able to keep the temperature either above 63 degrees Celsius or below 5 degrees Celsius, it becomes impossible for bacteria to multiply further. Boiling food at 70 degrees Celsius for at least two minutes is recommended - in this way all bacteria are destroyed. |
Moisture | Bacteria need moisture for their development. Have you ever wondered why biltong has such an extended shelf life? It is because there is not enough moisture in the dried meat for bacteria to flourish. |
Foods rich in protein | Bacteria prefer foods that have high levels of protein such as meat, eggs and fish. We can regard these foods as high-risk foods. |
Time | We have already stated that bacteria are able to multiply very quickly when circumstances are ideal. Food must therefore not be kept for too long under warm conditions. |
People who handle food should try to avoid the following dangerous practices:
Develop the habit of studying the label on a food item properly before buying it. The label indicates the expiry date of the item for the information of the consumer. The expiry date is determined by scientists and food technologists. Later in the module you will be given an opportunity to design your own food product and then you will also have to make your own label.
It would seem that knowledge of the relationship between temperature and bacteria is important, especially with producing your own food products in view. We therefore recommend that you fill in the following table as precisely as possible:
Degrees Celsius | 100; 72; 63; 37; 25; 5; 0; 18 |
Choose the temperature from the above table that best suits the description in the following table:
FOOD TEMPERATURE CHART | |
Room temperature | |
Freezer temperature | |
Freezing point of water | |
Boiling point of water | |
Pasteurization temperature | |
Fridge temperature | |
Body temperature | |
Very hot - bacteria are destroyed |
Form a panel of "food technologists" for a discussion on the subject Food Safety.
Suggestions for setting up the panel:
Designing your own food product
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