What does the acronym ALERT, created by the FDA, stand for?

The acronym ALERT, created by the FDA, stands for Assure, Look, Employees, Reports, and Threats. This framework is designed to help food service establishments, like Whataburger, be proactive about food safety and security.

• "Assure" emphasizes the importance of securing the food supply and ensuring that the ingredients are safe and reputable. This step involves verifying the suppliers and their practices to prevent any contamination or tampering.

• "Look" encourages vigilance in monitoring the food environment to identify potential hazards or suspicious activities that could compromise food safety. Regular checks and heightened awareness are vital for maintaining a safe establishment.

• "Employees" highlights the necessity of training staff to recognize threats and proper procedures for reporting incidents. Staff awareness and involvement are crucial in mitigating risks within the operational environment.

• "Reports" pertains to the importance of documenting and reporting any concerns or incidents that arise regarding food safety or security. This creates a formal record that can be reviewed and acted upon.

• "Threats" encompasses the potential dangers to food safety, including biological, chemical, or physical hazards. Understanding these threats allows the establishment to implement strategies to counter them effectively.

This comprehensive approach allows food service teams to maintain a secure environment, ensuring that food safety