Some feel as though the United States might be in over-regulation mode. Many in the hospitality industry might agree. However, it’s also true that most of these food-handling laws and codes are designed to protect the industry as well as the many millions of patrons of that industry.
With the FDA and USDA leading the way, it’s clear that federal, state and local governments are fully focused on food safety. This is reflected in comprehensive codes that call for strict requirements on employee hygiene and proper food handling and storage. Generally speaking, these codes are sensible and easy to adapt to. However, you might be surprised with how strict other countries can be when it comes to food handling laws. Let’s consider some eye-opening examples of food handling laws around the world.
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The Indian Ice Issue
Did you know that in India ice is considered a “food product?” This means that an ice factory needs an actual license to freeze water and then sell it for consumption. Even ice street vendors must demonstrate compliance with this food-handling law. If you are selling ice for industrial reasons such as freezing foods or other products, that ice must be artificially colored, often blue, to prevent consumers from accidentally ingesting it.
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The Rotten Rule in Iceland
Greenland shark is a delicacy in Iceland. However, a food-handling law in Greenland requires the meat to be fermented and dried first. Apparently, Greenland shark meat is toxic when it’s fresh. You must wait until it starts to rot before consuming.
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Canada Gets Serious on Syrup
Our friendly neighbors to the north are known for their kind disposition. However, you don’t want to mess with a Canadian’s maple syrup. Canada is a bit aggressive when it comes to their favorite pancake coating. A food handling law in the Great White North stipulates that maple syrup must be graded and tested for both color and taste before it can be brought to market. There’s even a government-managed maple syrup reserve to help regulate supply and maintain stable pricing. You are invited to read that again.
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The Japanese Sushi Solution
Japan is more than a bit serious about its sushi culture. If you think U.S. food-handling laws are strict when it comes to serving raw food, consider the Japanese sushi chef. He or she must undergo years of rigorous training in order to perfect the craft of preparing and serving sushi. Therefore, a properly licensed sushi chef is given free reign to handle raw foods without a glove or utensils. This might be considered unthinkable in the U.S. and elsewhere.
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The Rules for Italian Pizza Preparation
Like Canada and Japan, Italy also places a big focus on how their favorite dishes are prepared. The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana enforces strict rules when it comes to serving authentic Neapolitan pizza. Their code puts a strong emphasis on what kinds of flour, tomatoes and other ingredients can be used in order to earn the title “Neapolitan.” If there is a Neapolitan Pizzeria in your town then you have also likely noticed the wood-fired oven that is typically germane to the Neapolitan pizza process. In fact, restaurants worldwide can obtain a certification from the AVPN if they’re looking for a proper bragging point or another lively way to separate themselves from the local competition.
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The French Fix on Food Waste
Every day in America, restaurants, hospitals, schools, grocery stores, concession stands, pubs, airports, food courts and even prisons dispose of large amounts of food. This is generally because those food items are not sold or are nearing a perishable date. A food-handling law in France prohibits large supermarkets (4,300 square feet and over) from doing this. In 2016 a law was passed that requires those supermarkets to donate their leftover or near expiring foods to local charities and food banks. Store owners who are found guilty of violating this law can actually receive prison time.
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Solving Sweden’s Surströmming Dispute
What exactly is surströmming? Surströmming is fermented herring. It’s remarkably pungent. In fact, canned surströmming is known to succumb to those pungent gasses and explode. So, yes, canning and then transporting surströmming used to be difficult and, often, more than a bit shocking. A Swedish food-handling law now requires that this specific fish must ferment for at least six months and only legally approved rupture-proof canisters can be used.
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No Sauce in Saudi
Are you thinking of getting certified to serve alcohol in Saudi Arabia? Sorry, there’s no certification program for that because alcohol is strictly forbidden in Saudi Arabia. This is because alcohol is a big no-no when it comes to Islamic law. However, many might be pleased to note that Saudi Arabia is softening its stance on alcohol. A new law will soon allow for the controlled sale and consumption of wine, beer and cider only in what are being called “designated zones.” This apparently means luxury resorts and tourist hot spots. Hard booze did not make the cut so you can still brag that your famous Long Island Iced Tea recipe is banned in Saudi Arabia as well as Afghanistan, Brunei, Kuwait, Libya, Iran, Maldives, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
Other Noteworthy Mentions
In Switzerland, it is illegal to boil lobsters alive. They must be stunned first. In South Africa the sale of an actual sheep’s head must thankfully comply with stringent health codes. This includes the removal of the eyes before being brought to market. In Germany the famous Reinheitsgebot Beer Purity Law of 1516 dictates that beers can only be made from the three natural ingredients (water, barley, hops) and nothing more. This is to prevent brewers from adding toxic or even hallucinogenic properties to their brews.
As you can see, even the most unusual international food handling laws are designed with the consumer in mind. While codes in the U.S. may vary from state to state, it all boils down to a little common sense. If you’re ready to prepare for and acquire your food-handling certification, you have a one-stop shop solution with American Course Academy. Our course materials are state approved and available in English or Spanish. You can also remote prep and test on any Wi-Fi-enabled device. American Course Academy makes it easy, quick and affordable. Get started today.
