VNWhy Is Food Sample Retention Mandatory for Catering and Industrial Meal Services?
Food sample retention, as regulated by Decision No. 1246/QĐ-BYT by the Ministry of Health, not only ensures food safety but also protects those working in the industrial meal and catering service sectors. This is a mandatory regulation for all food service businesses.
Food Sample Retention: Regulations and Benefits
1. Food Sample Retention Regulations in Catering and Meal Services:
According to Decision No. 1246/QĐ-BYT, all industrial meal providers and catering services must:
- Retain a minimum of 100g of each prepared dish served to customers.
- Store the sample for 24 hours at a temperature of 4-6°C for inspection purposes if required.
In practice, to meet specific local requirements, businesses may consider retaining 150g of food per sample. This ensures sufficient quantity for testing in case of food safety incidents.
2. Why Is Food Sample Retention Important for Catering and Meal Services?
- Protecting the reputation and liability of meal service providers:
- In the event of a food poisoning incident, the retained sample allows authorities to determine the exact cause. If the issue is not caused by the catering provider, this will safeguard the business’s reputation and legal responsibilities.
- Ensuring customer safety:
- Retaining samples helps quickly trace the origin of any food safety issues, identify the source, and prevent further outbreaks.
- Compliance and customer trust:
- Clients, especially those in industries or schools, demand high standards for food hygiene. Proper sample retention demonstrates the professionalism and responsibility of the catering provider.
How to Properly Retain Food Samples
- Prepare the necessary tools:
- Use clean, safe containers with tight lids.
- Ensure containers are clearly labeled with details such as the dish name, preparation time, and the person responsible for sample retention.
- Storage:
- Keep samples in a refrigerator at 4-6°C, separate from other foods.
- Disposal:
- After 24 hours (if no incidents occur), properly dispose of the sample following food safety regulations.
Watch a Video Tutorial on Food Sample Retention
For a detailed guide on food sample retention, watch the video tutorial here:
Download the Official Regulation
To learn more about Decision No. 1246/QĐ-BYT, download the official document from the Ministry of Health:
👉 Download Decision No. 1246/QĐ-BYT here
Advice for Catering and Meal Service Providers
Retaining food samples is not just about legal compliance but also serves as a shield of protection for kitchen staff and management. It plays a critical role in maintaining the quality of catering services and safeguarding customer health.
If you’re in the industrial meal or catering service industry, take food sample retention seriously to uphold your reputation and demonstrate professionalism!
