Why Food Hygiene Matters

Pandas consume large quantities of bamboo every day, along with carefully selected supplemental foods in managed-care settings. Food should be handled hygienically to minimize the risk of contamination by bacteria, mold, dirt, chemicals or other harmful substances.

Keeping Bamboo Clean

Bamboo should be inspected before it is offered to a panda. Remove material that is visibly moldy, rotten, heavily soiled or contaminated.

• Inspect bamboo for mold, unusual odors and signs of decay.
• Remove dirt, damaged sections and foreign objects.
• Keep bamboo away from pesticides, cleaning chemicals and other contaminants.
• Use clean equipment when cutting, transporting and preparing bamboo.
• Do not mix fresh food with spoiled or discarded food.

Safe Food Storage

Food storage areas should be clean, organized and protected from contamination. Bamboo and other foods should be stored according to their individual handling requirements.

Storage of Supplemental Foods

Supplemental foods should be stored according to the requirements of each food type. Perishable foods may require appropriate refrigeration, while dry foods should be kept dry and protected from pests.

• Check food condition before serving.
• Follow recommended temperature requirements for perishable foods.
• Keep dry foods in clean, sealed containers where appropriate.
• Use a stock-rotation system so older suitable food is used first.
• Record opening dates and discard dates when necessary.

Cleaning Food Preparation Equipment

Knives, cutting boards, containers, feeding equipment and other preparation tools should be cleaned and sanitized according to the facility’s established hygiene procedures.

• Clean preparation surfaces before and after food handling.
• Use appropriate food-safe cleaning and sanitizing procedures.
• Keep food-preparation equipment separate from waste-handling equipment.
• Allow cleaned equipment to dry appropriately before storage.
• Inspect equipment regularly for damage or contamination.

Preventing Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination can occur when microorganisms or contaminants are transferred from one food, surface or piece of equipment to another.

• Keep waste containers away from food preparation areas.
• Use clean tools when handling food.
• Wash hands thoroughly before food preparation.
• Do not place fresh food on dirty surfaces.
• Separate cleaning chemicals from all food-storage areas.

Daily Food Inspection

A simple daily inspection can help keep the panda’s food supply safe. Care staff should follow the zoo, sanctuary or veterinary facility’s established food-safety protocol.

• Check the appearance and condition of food.
• Look for mold, pests, dirt or foreign objects.
• Check storage conditions.
• Remove uneaten food according to the facility’s schedule.
• Clean feeding areas regularly.
• Document unusual food-related observations when required.

Food Hygiene and Panda Health

Good food hygiene works together with appropriate nutrition, environmental enrichment, veterinary care and proper enclosure management. Food should be selected and handled as part of an individualized care plan developed by qualified panda-care professionals.

For a broader introduction to panda care, see the related ebook: