FNGA Natural gas food safety

FOOD SAFETY

Natural gas won’t impact air quality, but certain foods might

By DALE CALHOUN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FLORIDA NATURAL GAS ASSOCIATION

In an industry driven by high demand, high stakes and tight profit margins, natural gas is a clean and efficient form of energy that is affordable and reliable for Florida’s food industry.

That is exactly why the food industry relies so heavily on natural gas — it is a low-cost energy source to power appliances that cook food and heat water.

Natural gas is affordable and effective. Appliances that use natural gas often have much lower operating costs than non-gas appliances, saving businesses money. These appliances also have quick dispatchable energy when it is needed most.

Natural gas is reliable. Businesses like restaurants can rely on natural gas — even during natural disasters. That’s because a business’ supply of natural gas is delivered directly through underground pipelines — keeping businesses operating when other energy sources are down.

Natural gas is clean and safe. Gaspowered cooking appliances do not impact indoor air quality or respiratory health, according to the Federal Interagency Committee on Indoor Air Quality, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency.

So, businesses can rest assured that the health of their employees and customers are not put on the line for the sake of affordability and reliability.

The natural gas industry, in partnership with research organizations and agencies, continues to educate the public regarding the safety of gas appliances by providing objective, research-driven data and information.

Then what does contribute to poor indoor air quality?

One of the biggest contributors impacting the food industry’s indoor air quality is the types of food being prepared. Specifically, frying and other high-heat and oil-based cooking methods have been studied extensively and have been found to possess the highest potentials for poor consumer exposures.

These cooking methods can produce particulate matter, which is an asthma exacerbation agent, volatile organic compounds and other toxic and carcinogenic emission byproducts.

The safety and well-being of employees and customers is top of mind for businesses. To help you, here are some tips that have proven effective at improving indoor air quality:

» Install an exhausting range hood and use it regularly. » Install a recirculating hood, which can help control particulate matter, oilladen smoke and other cooking emissions. » Within reason and ability, open a window or two to increase airflow and ventilation.