Internet of things-linked wearable devices for managing food safety in the healthcare sector

Food, hygiene, and safety are critical in healthcare institutions, especially those in which patients are vulnerable against diseases triggered by food prepared under improper conditions. In the United Kingdom, almost 400 healthcare institutions were found to need significant improvements to their food preparation standards (ITV News, 2016). Such institutions still rely on traditional pen and paper-based methods to record all food-related parameters. This often leads to intentional (or unintentional) breaching of food standards and increases the health endangerment of both the vulnerable patients and other visitors. The complexity of the food supply chain makes it difficult for stakeholders to be aware of food safety issues such as cross-contamination, time and temperature deviations, and improper storage or waste management, in real time. However, using the Internet of Things and wearable device concepts may resolve some of these issues by connecting the objects and stakeholders through a network. This chapter, therefore, explores the role and benefits of implementing these technologies to automate the process of collecting data on food product processing and development, as well as the use of these technologies for real-time food safety, in the hopes of eliminating food-related health risks in healthcare institutions. It will also demonstrate how Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point in food safety may be integrated into the food supply chain of the healthcare industry.