A food worker cleans the inside of a pizza oven using a steel wire brush. After the oven is clean, it is set to 500°F (260°C) to cook pizza.
What potential food hazard should the food worker consider?
a. Heat from the oven
b. Listeria monocytogenes
c. Bristles from the wire brush
d. Thickly sliced vegetable toppings
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: c. Bristles from the wire brush
Explanation:
When a food worker cleans a pizza oven using a steel wire brush, there is a potential for the bristles to break off from the brush and remain inside the oven. These bristles can then stick to the pizza or other foods being cooked, posing a serious physical hazard to customers if ingested.
Wire bristles are sharp and can cause harm if consumed, such as injuries to the mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines. In some cases, such incidents may require surgical intervention to remove the bristle. This makes wire brush bristles a critical hazard to consider during cleaning procedures.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- a. Heat from the oven:
While the oven heat is a physical hazard for the worker, it does not directly affect the food itself once proper safety measures are taken. This hazard is more about workplace safety rather than food safety. - b. Listeria monocytogenes:
Listeria is a foodborne pathogen that can contaminate food at lower temperatures. However, pizza ovens are heated to extremely high temperatures (500°F or 260°C), which are sufficient to kill Listeria. Thus, it is not a relevant concern in this scenario. - d. Thickly sliced vegetable toppings:
Thickly sliced vegetables may affect cooking times or pizza quality, but they are not considered a direct food safety hazard. This is a culinary or quality issue rather than a critical safety concern.
Preventive Measures:
To mitigate the risk of wire bristle contamination, food establishments should:
- Regularly inspect steel brushes for damage or worn bristles.
- Replace steel brushes with safer alternatives, such as nylon brushes or cleaning stones.
- Thoroughly inspect the oven and wipe down surfaces after cleaning.
By addressing this hazard, food workers can maintain a safe dining experience for customers.