1. Describe briefly spoilage of meat? What are the factors that cause meat spoilage? How would you inform public to avoid foodborne illnesses from meat and poultry? (4 Marks)
2. What is pasteurization? What is the importance of pasteurization of milk? What you would tell the public about how to prevent milk spoilage? (4 Marks)
3. Which governmental organizations are responsible for food safety in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? Briefly describe the organizations tasks and responsibilities involved in food safety (2 Marks)
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: As a medical professor responsible for designing assignments for medical college students, I strive to create questions that encourage critical thinking and reinforce fundamental concepts in the field of food safety and public health. In response to the given content, I provide the following answers.
1. Meat spoilage is the deterioration and decay of meat due to the actions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. The factors that cause meat spoilage include improper storage temperature, moisture, pH levels, oxygen exposure, and contamination with pathogenic microorganisms. To inform the public about how to avoid foodborne illnesses from meat and poultry, it is essential to educate them on safe food handling practices, such as washing hands and kitchen utensils, cooking meat to the appropriate temperature, and storing meat at the correct temperature. Additionally, it is crucial to inform the public about the signs of spoilage, such as an abnormal odor or color, sliminess, or a sticky surface, and to discard any meat that exhibits these signs.
2. Pasteurization is a process of heating the milk to high temperatures to destroy harmful bacteria while preserving its nutritional and sensory qualities. The importance of pasteurization of milk is that it reduces the risk of transmitting foodborne illnesses, such as typhoid fever, tuberculosis, and brucellosis. To prevent milk spoilage, one should store it at a temperature between 32 and 39°F, keep it away from direct sunlight, and avoid mixing fresh milk with old milk. Additionally, it is essential to handle and pour milk with clean hands and properly sterilized utensils.
3. The governmental organizations responsible for food safety in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia include the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA). The SFDA is responsible for the safety and quality of food, drugs, and medical devices, while the MEWA is responsible for supervising agricultural production, animal health, and livestock production. These organizations work together to ensure that food products in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia meet the necessary standards and regulations to protect public health. Their tasks and responsibilities involve conducting regular inspections, enforcing food safety laws, and providing information and education to the public about safe food handling practices.
