Danger in the Kitchen

Moviegoers are eagerly waiting for the December release of American director James Cameron’s latest film, Avatar, with its state-of-the-art 3D technology. The move’s hero battles incredible dangers in an alien world.

Meanwhile, here in our world, a real danger is always in our midst – the possibility of being poisoned by what we eat. The food we put in our mouth can make us ill. While being educated about routine food safety is important for the home cook, it is essential for those preparing guest food in the kitchens of New Zealand’s many cafès, restaurants, hotels and more.

Just released on DVD, and targeted at the professional food handler audience, is The Kitchen, an interactive short film, designed by industry professionals, delivering basic food safety techniques in a time and cost-effective way to your computer screen. In the two hours it will take you to watch the ‘movie’ (with intervals when you choose) and complete the course, you will learn from The Kitchen’s avatar as he is shown how to handle food hygienically, keep the workplace clean, maintain personal hygiene, and to monitor and control food safety.

The theory is backed up with practical experience with several exercises that the viewer can complete online. The Kitchen’s virtual actors are supported by real people with real skills who will give answers to your questions within 24 hours.  As the course is delivered 24/7, at any time from anywhere you choose to view it, there is no travel time required or text books to purchase. Completing The Kitchen will give food handlers clear understanding of their responsibilities while working in a commercial kitchen and help them to gain the necessary credentials for the real position of preparing food for guests.

The Kitchen was made by Otago Polytechnic in collaboration with HSI and Intuto. To buy a copy, and for more information, please go to www.otago.learnhere.ac.nz