Chapter 2 The Relationship of Biosecurity to Sanitation
Knowledge of the threat of bioterrorism
in food processing and preparation is essen-
tial for the maintenance of a safe food sup-
ply. Those involved with sanitation must be
knowledgeable about food contaminants
including microorganisms, allergens, physical
hazards, and pests and about contamination
through bioterrorism. The food industry is
vulnerable to threats and possible damage to
food.
The importance of protecting the food
supply from natural and intentional micro-
bial, chemical, and physical contamination is
recognized throughout the food industry.
Since attacks by terrorists in the United
States in 2001, increased emphasis has been
placed on national security, including food
security, which has become a top priority for
the food industry. The result has been a
strong emphasis on security programs and
procedures by food companies to continually
improve and enhance the strength and effec-
tiveness of food security programs. Acade-
mia, government, and industry representatives
have dedicated efforts throughoutthe past to
the development of food safety programs
on the farm, in the processing plant, and in
consumers’ homes.
During the past, the food industry has
become aware of the importance of address-
ing threats to food safety, from foodborne
disease outbreaks and inadvertent contami-
nations to isolated occurrences of product
extortion and tampering. However, the food
industry must now guard against the inten-
tional, widespread contamination of the
food supply. Food biosecurity is no longer
addressed in hypothetical terms as the poten-
tial for the food supply being a target or tool
of terrorism. Furthermore, optimism and
complacency are no longer a viable option.
During 2003, the U.S. Homeland Security
Secretary indicated the possibility that ter-
rorists may select popular food products as a
media for chemical or biological warfare.
Thus, it is essential to protect consumers
from bioterrorism in addition to accidental
infestations or contamination from inade-
quate sanitation. Now, it is necessary for the
food industry to protect against intentional
interference and the possibility that food
products could be used as weapons of
destruction.
Previous challenges the food industry has
faced include biosecurity. During the 1980s,
a major security challenge was increased
emphasis on maintaining a drug-free work-
place. In the last decade of the 20th century,
there was an increased emphasis on prevent-
ing workplace violence. During this time,
the threat of biological and chemical
weapons intensified. After the terrorism16