Implement proper food handling and preparation
Most incidents of food contamination occur during handling and preparation. This is why restaurants should impose strict procedures to ensure that food, including raw materials, is kept clean and free of contaminants. Raw food items such as fresh produce, meat, poultry, eggs, fish and seafood should also be kept at recommended temperatures.
To maintain the freshness of raw food products, restaurants should also ensure that proper food storage is performed. Raw food, for example, has to be kept at specific temperatures to prevent the growth of bacteria. Once processed or cooked, certain dishes should also be stored at certain temperatures prior to serving. Restaurants should also be aware of the recommended shelf life of food products to avoid serving expired or spoiled food.
Another way to keep food safe and clean is by using food dispensers. Food dispensers can store large amounts of food that are frequently bought and used in bulk, such as rice, cereals and other grains, flour, sugar, powdered milk and the like.
Ensure hygienic food preparation and service
One of the most common ways food contamination can occur is through touch. Bacteria and other organisms can easily transfer from the server’s hands to the food, especially if he works barehanded. To prevent this from happening, staff that are in charge of food preparation and service should use products that are designed to keep food safe, such as safety gloves and masks.
Minimize airborne contamination
Many of disease-causing bacteria can survive outside of the carrier’s body. They can be released through coughing, sneezing or spitting. Restaurants can minimize this route of contamination by requiring servers to use face masks and gloves. Safety gloves are also recommended for knife handlers. These gloves have reinforced surfaces that protect the palms of the user from cuts.
When food is displayed, such as in a buffet-style restaurant, food safety can be jeopardized either by deliberate or accidental contamination. This can be prevented by installing a sneezeguard over the table where food is served. Sneezegards are made of clear glass, fiberglass or plastic. They serve as a barrier between the customer and the food to prevent contamination in case a customer coughs or sneezes. The sneezegard can also prevent stray hairs and falling items such as keys, IDs, pens and articles of clothing from touching the food.
Keep a clean environment
Restaurant washrooms and toilets are sources of organisms such as salmonella and E.coli which are common causes of gastrointestinal diseases. To ensure food safety in restaurants, these areas should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
There are also products that could be installed to ensure proper hygiene among users. Washrooms should have running water, soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers or push-button hand dryers. Dispensers are very effective in promoting hygiene because they minimize actual contact while hand dryers prevent the sharing of hand towels among multiple users.
You can keep your restaurant clean, safe, and healthy for your guests and do your part in helping prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as the swine flu through utilizing the proper equipment and supplies. If you need any help or have questions about food service safety products don’t hesitate to contact us.
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