Finger-Licking Chef: Food Network Scrutiny

By JULIETTE ROSSANT "Clean Hands Campaign" might get a new meaning once the Food Network digests a new study from Texas Tech University that analyzed FN programs for food safety. Finger-licking good food doesn't mean actually licking your fingers while you make the dish. The International Center for Food Industry Excellence study focused on 30 Minute Meals with Rachael Ray, The Essence of Emeril, Everyday Italian, Paula's Home Cooking, and Semi Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee. Researchers examined 49 shows airing over a two-week period and used 17 different coded categories: six positive and 11 negative. Positive categories included hand washing, cleaning equipment, washing fruits and vegetables, adequate refrigeration, and use of a thermometer. Texas Tech Today reported that: Negative behaviors included food from unsafe sources, failure to use a thermometer, use of food from the floor, failure to refrigerate perishables, failure to wash fruits or vegetables, inadequately washing equipment, sampling food or licking fingers, cross contamination of ready-to-eat or raw foods, and touching the face. The results weren’t exactly savory with 118 positive food safety measures and 460 poor food-handling incidents. Among the most noticeable culprits were not washing fruits, vegetables and herbs properly and a lack of hand washing in general. The researchers found that Paula's Home Cooking had the worst score because she licks her fingers (more than 20 times) and 30 Minute Meals and Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee got highest marks for positive behavior. The article said that researchers were frequently asked ‘who was the safest or least-safe host on the Food Network?’ Their response, there’s not really a fair way to name one person as best or worst. For example, one show had the most positive observations, yet it also had the second-highest negatives. Why is this important? FN reaches 85 million households – and many Americans pick up cooking habits from FN programs. Following proper food handling can prevent food born illnesses and keep us healthier. "We realize these are time-limited entertainment programs and not documentaries, but some food safety behaviors could be better incorporated,” said Cindy Akers, associate professor and director of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Student Services Center." Previous articles: [Food Television - complete] Technorati Tags: superchefblog, Juliette Rossant, super chef, celebrities, chefs, food, restaurants, cooking, branding, cuisine, blogging, food blogging --> back to Super Chef