Cultrual Diversity: Public Health Significance of Cultrual Foods & The Art Of Communicating With Different Cultures

When dealing with facilities that offer cultural foods, food safety professionals are faced with numerous obstacles. These obstacles include not only the unique idiosyncrasies posed by the cultural foods; but also cultural barriers.  This presentation will focus on the most common types of exotics foods encountered in the field and how to identify them. Information will also be provided on how to work with operators to increase compliance and reduce critical violations. Cultural foods that will be discussed include, but are not limited to the following:  dim sum, sushi, Chinese BBQ pork, chimex and ceviche.

Other topics include how to avoid cultural faux pas.   Examples include how to properly exchange business cards, break through communication barriers and how to refuse gifts without offending the operator.  The presentation will also discuss how to avoid creating negative impressions by using physical gestures. For example, in the West it is very common for us to move our index finger back forth to have someone follow us.  In Eastern cultures, this is very rude and symbolizes calling a dog.  Other cultural paradigms that will be noted include how to avoid using American slang in normal conversation. People from foreign countries usually speak formal English and are not familiar with our slang. Some of our phrases convey completely different meanings to others who are not accustomed to their use.  A common situation often occurs like this: Inspector: “I’ll catch you on Friday for the follow up”. Operator: “OK?”  In the operators mind, he or she perceives the inspector will come back and chase them around the facility to “catch” them.  If there are gender differences (male inspector; female operator) this can lead to an uncomfortable situation for both parties.  After this presentation, environmental health professionals will have the awareness and tools necessary handle most issues associated with exotic foods and challenging cross cultural issues.