Food Safety

Food Safety Reviews

Food Safety Resources Reviews

General Information

Title: Fast Plants, Fast Food---How Safe? Bacterial Contamination of Food

Producer/Publisher: Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, Cooperative Extension

Review Date: 10/1/2003

Format(s): Videocassette, Manual

Audience(s):
Administration, Educator, Food Services, Cooperative Extension, Upper Elementary Students, High School Students

Overall Comments On Resource Reviewed:

Positive Points of the Reviewed Resource:

The Mystery of the Poisoned Panther Picnic video and the text materials make this a valuable training tool. Attention to detail is clearly present.

Negative Points of the Reviewed Resource:

The Dirty Dining video could use additional cassette labeling, a proper introduction, intermediate training space, and references.

General Comments:

The manual and videos are a valuable addition to a class environment. A variety of sources come together to create a solid package. The practical application from this material is very attainable.

Summary:

The manual and videos are a valuable addition to a class environment. A variety of sources come together to create a solid package. The practical application from this material is very attainable. Although there are some concerns with the Dirty Dining video. It could use additional cassette labeling, a proper introduction, intermediate training space, and references. Another concern is the material was published in 1996, and the current Food Code was not revised until 2001. Overall, the scope of the material can be managed based on instructor needs, and step-by-step detail is provided so that efficient delivery is possible.

Rating:

Recommended with Reservations

PART I

All Materials

1. Content:

Purpose:

Purpose of resource is clearly stated in title or introduction

If not, please explain:

The Dirty Dining video does not have a title during the introduction. There is no reference made on the video to the corresponding section of the manual.

Organization:

Resource is well-organized and major points are presented clearly. Resource does not assume that reader has background information.

Accuracy:

Information, technical or otherwise, is accurate and recommendations are current.

If not, please give specific examples:

On page 2.8 it lists the product reheating temperature as 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and it should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. On page 3.15 it lists the cooking temperature for poultry as 170 degrees Fahrenheit, it should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Consistency with Current Food Code

The latest version of the Food Code is used and the information is consistent with that code.

If not, please give specific examples:

The material was published in 1996, and the current Food Code was not revised until 2001. Many of the general food safety concepts are consistent and may be used.

Learning Activities, Questions, Projects, or Interactive Learning Tools:

Resource includes a variety of stimulating and interesting learning experiences, questions, projects, or suggestions for further action that will involve the audience (e.g., an activity where the participant rates their current food safety practices).

If not, pleae give specific examples:

Each lesson has a specific exercise and provides variety during the instruction. Role-playing, questions and answers, and interactive discussions are all present.

Special Interests:

Resource is geared toward special needs and interests of intended target audience(s).

If not, please explain:

Scope:

Scope of information is appropriate for target audience(s) and essential topics are discussed in appropriate detail.

Please explain:

The scope can be managed based on instructor needs. Step-by-step detail is provided so that efficient delivery is possible. It is very easy to understand.

Summary:

All major ideas are summarized or reviewed to reinforce key concepts; summaries are easily identified.

Objectivity/Sponsor Bias:

Subject matter is presented objectively and fairly. No brand name is mentioned or obvious sponsor bias.

2. Diversity:

Positive Role Models:

Positive role models are provided in text and illustrations. Role models are presented as having many roles, traits, and emotions.

If not, please explain

Multi-Cultural Representation:

Resource does not include any outright negative stereotypes concerning racial, religious, or ethnic groups.

If not, please give specific examples:

Instructional Aids:

If not needed, please explain:

Availability of Aids:

If aids do not exist or are not necessary, please explain:

Instructor’s Guide:

Instructor’s guide is included with suggestions for enhancing audiovisual presentation, pre-, and post-showing. Suggestions or follow-up learning activities/discussion questions are included.

If instructor’s guide is not included, is one needed?

Please explain:

Instructor Resources:

Instructor resources are included and reinforce the information provided in the curriculum.

If instructor resources are not included, should they be included to reinforce the information provided in the curriculum?

Please explain:

Student Resources:

Student resources are included and reinforce the information provided in the curriculum.

If student resources are not included, should they be included to reinforce the information provided in the curriculum?

Please explain:

Credits, References, and Resources (including dates, publishers, etc.):

Complete credits, current references, date produced, and resources listed are up-to-date (credits may be on video package).

If not, please give specific examples:

Part II

Print Resources Only
(if applicable)

Readability:
Vocabulary:

Vocabulary is appropriate for intended audience(s).Resource minimizes use of technical terms and if used, they are defined.

Yes

If not, please give specific examples:

Writing Style:

Main ideas are clear and flow smoothly.

Yes

If not, please give specific examples:

Writing Approach:

Writing approach is positive, personal and involves the reader. Active voice is used most of the time.

Yes

If not, please explain:

Supportive / Effective Illustration:

Illustrations contribute to the resource and are on the same page as their text references.Tables and graphs are simple, easy-to-read, and in a form requiring no further explanation.

Yes

If not, please give specific examples:

Illustrations contribute to the material and are on the same page as their text references.Active voice is used most of the time.

Yes

If not, please give specific examples:

Visual Quality:

Resource uses a heavy weight paper and print from one side cannot be seen on the other side. Text is written in a font size greater than 11 point type, is not difficult to read, and the main body of print is not written in capital letters.

Yes

Please comment:

High quality paper is used with all sections and is appropriately oriented. Proper use of italics, bold, and underlined text makes the material easy to read.

Layout and Design:

Color, design, and layout of resource are attractive and stimulate interest without being too busy. A good balance between print and blank space is on the page.

Yes

Please comment:

The quality of the layout provides little need for additional color as the text on each page is used efficiently. Interest is generated by the ease of readability.

Headings:

Clear headings are provided for each topic area.

Yes

If headings are not provided for each topic area, would they be helpful? Please explain:

Part III
Audiovisual Resources Only
(if applicable)

5. Audiovisual Presentation Format:

Quality:

Audiovisual resource is mutually supportive to the presentation of concepts.

If not, please explain:

Presentation:

Presentation progresses at a pace that permits comprehension. Pacing of dialogue is appropriate for absorbing concepts presented. Blank time is provided.

If not, please explain:

Sufficient blank time is not provided for the Dirty Dining video. The presentation is from one report to another, and the dialogue pacing and presentation progress are decent.

6. Technical Quality:

Auditory Quality:

Speaker, voice, and music are clear; sound is audible and has good quality.

If not, please explain:

Visual Quality:

Visuals are clear and properly framed; graphics and titles are clearly visible; and color, lighting, and editing enhance presentation content.

If not, please explain:

Continuity:

Continuity provides cohesiveness and smooth flow. Visuals are in a logical order and auditory portion is precisely matched with visual portion.

If not, please explain:

Disclaimer: The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit professional society. As such, the sole purpose and mission of the organization is the educational and scientific advancement of the environmental health profession. In keeping with this mission, this article is provided for informational purposes only. It is designed to better inform our members about topical and relevant food safety resource and training materials available to the environmental health professional. It in no way represents the views, opinions or policy statements of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). Any opinions expressed about any food safety resource and training materials in this column (either expressly or implied) are solely and completely the responsibility of the author(s)and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the author(s) employer nor the views or opinions of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).