Food Safety Focus (215th Issue, June 2024) – Article 4

Food Safety Day 2024 – Keep Bacteria at Bay? Safe Temperature is the Way!

Food Safety Day (FSD) is an annual signature publicity event organised by the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) to tie in with World Food Safety Day on 7 June. This year's theme is to keep food at safe temperatures, which is one of the essential components of the Five Keys to Food Safety. Maintaining proper temperature control is vital to reducing the growth of microorganisms including bacteria in food and hence minimising the risk of food poisoning.

Food not for immediate consumption should always be kept at proper temperatures. Cold food should be stored at 4°C or below, whereas hot food should be kept at above 60°C. Whenever maintaining food at a safe temperature is not possible, it is advised to follow the 2-hour / 4-hour rule. The CFS has organised various promotional activities to celebrate FSD 2024, including social media posts, short videos and publicity materials. For details, please visit the thematic website.