Food safety is a scientific discipline describing handling,
preparation, and
storage of food in ways that prevent
foodborne illness. This includes a number of routines that should be followed to avoid potentially severe
health hazards. In this way Food Safety often overlaps with
Food Defense to prevent harm to consumers. The tracks within this line of thought are safety between industry and the market and then between the market and the consumer. In considering industry to market practices, food safety considerations include the origins of food including the practices relating to
food labeling, food
hygiene,
food additives and
pesticide residues, as well as policies on
biotechnology and food and guidelines for the management of governmental
import and
export inspection and
certification systems for foods. In considering market to consumer practices, the usual thought is that food ought to be safe in the market and the concern is safe delivery and preparation of the food for the consumer.