Food safety Assignment - Essay Example

In food establishments, MSDS sheets are important because they illustrate the various physical and physical properties of the particular hazardous product in use. This information is essential because it informs the user about the toxicity of the substance, safe procedures of usage and appropriate methods of storage and disposal. Food establishments use a diversity of chemicals to prepare various dishes. OSHA requires the MSDS sheet written in English and to include information about the hazardous substance used in food establishments and other working places.

The MSDS sheet should include the name of the chemical as indicated in the label from the manufacturer and the common names used for that particular substance. In addition, the sheet should list the ingredients used to make the hazardous substance and list the health hazards of each toxic ingredients used in the substance, including whether they are carcinogenic or have other adverse medical effects. The provision of this information on MSDS sheets improves the safety of both the employees and the consumers of the products in food establishments.

Knowledge of the hazardous substance minimizes accidents associated with improper use such as using excess amounts, errors in applying it for unintended purposes and lack of wearing or observing the appropriate precautionary measures while using the product. Cleaning entails the removal of the dirt such as food, soil, rust stains, minerals from a surface and it is achieved by using a cleaning agent that has the ability to remove the particular dirt. Some of the common food contact surfaces in food establishments that attract the dirt include dishes, chopping boards, utensils, cutleries among others appliances.

There are four different classes of cleaning agents, including detergents, acid, solvent and abrasive