Food Safety

Food Safety Reviews

Food Safety Resources Reviews

General Information

Title: Creating Informed Citizens For Tomorrow's Food Safety Decisions

Producer/Publisher: Cooperatvie Extension, Colorado State University, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition

Review Date: 3/1/2004

Format(s): Manual

Audience(s):
Educator, Cooperative Extension, Health Services/School Nurses, Upper Elementary Students

Detailed Information

Overall Comments On Resource Reviewed:

Positive Points of the Reviewed Resource:

There are plenty of ideas given in each section of the manual for instructors to keep their students interested in the topics at hand.

Negative Points of the Reviewed Resource:

The manual needs to be updated so the material can be used currently.

General Comments:

This manual is extensive in nature and provides a great foundation for not only food safety, but also other health related topics that are important.

Summary:

This manual is extensive in nature and provides a great foundation for not only food safety, but also other health related topics that are important. There are plenty of ideas given in each section of the manual for instructors to keep their students interested in the topics at hand. Although, the manual needs to be updated so the material can be used currently.

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:

Organization:

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

If not, please give specific examples:

The materials are in a binder and divided into eight sections. The materials are color-coordinated as to their purpose (e.g., yellow pages for outline and background, green pages for teachers, white pages for students, and pink for the answers).

Accuracy:

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

If not, please give specific examples:

There is not any mention of thawing products by using cold running water. Some topics are incomplete as with the above example.

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 danger zone is listed as 40-140 degrees F instead of 41-140 degrees. Also cold storage is listed as 40 degrees F or below.

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:

There are many activity suggestions included in each section: role-playing scenarios, questionnaires, games, and puzzles.

Special Interests:

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

If not, please explain:

The activities make the information presented in the manual more desirable to the students.

Scope:

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

Please explain:

The manual is broken down into seven major topics including: microbes, food irradiation, pesticides, animal antibiotics and hormones, food additives, fat and sugar substitutes, and biotechnology. This manual includes not only the basics of food safety, but health and safety issues not necessarily addressed in the Food Code.

Summary:

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

If not, please give specific examples:

Ideas are summarized in each section, and there are pre and post questionnaires provided.

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:

There is not any gender or racial bias.

Instructional Aids:

If not needed, please explain:

There is an outline and instructions in the beginning of the manual. Also included in each topic section are instructions and aids for the teacher.

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:

Numerous ideas are given in each section for the instructor to enhance the materials in the manual, including ideas on class discussions, overhead transparencies, student questionnaires, etc.

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:

Food safety resource agencies are included in the overview section, but there are not any Web site addresses and/or e-mail addresses. The materials are dated and should be updated with changes in address and telephone numbers along with the addition of Web site addresses.

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.

If not, please give specific examples:

The materials lack real illustrations. In order to make the material more appealing and break up the text, illustrations should be added.

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

If not, please give specific examples:

The materials lack real illustrations. In order to make the material more appealing and break up the text, illustrations should be added.

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:

There are heavy weight dividers for each section. Items that can be used as transparencies are one-sided for ease of copying.

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.

Please comment:

There are colors to divide the materials from teacher to student, but other colors are not used. There are also a few illustrations, but they do not have color.

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:

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).