We explain what food defense is and what businesses can do.

In this section

• Definitions
• What businesses can do
• Resources

Food defense

Protecting food from being contaminated or changed either on purpose or by accident to cause illness or harm.

Intentional contamination

When food is contaminated or changed on purpose to cause: 

• People to get sick or die 
• Economic disruption 

Examples: 

• A person seeks revenge against another person or group.
• An unhappy employee tries to harm an employer or former employer.
• A person creates fear through a terrorist act by using food as a weapon.

Unintentional contamination

When food is contaminated or changed by accident. 

Staff

Train your staff in food defense.

Secure access to your business

• Keep doors locked.
• Limit access to areas where you store and prepare food.
• Only allow authorized personnel in kitchens and delivery areas.

Deliveries

• Check in all food deliveries.
• Check ID for delivery drivers and have them sign in.
• Compare items delivered to invoice or packing slip.
• Only accept food from approved sources.