Establishing kitchen hygiene and safety guidelines is essential to any food business. Restaurants should pay as much attention to cleanliness as it does to food. Otherwise, you can expect low sales and disappointed customers. Follow these practical tips to maintain restaurant food safety.
Personal Hygiene Rules in the Kitchen
Did you know that personal hygiene is often the cause of many food poisoning cases? Unfortunately, this aspect tends to be less prioritized when it comes to food safety. Observing and monitoring your kitchen staff’s hygiene is crucial in preventing food contamination. Get started by taking a look at what your crew should wear.
Proper kitchen attire
- Uniforms – Wear a clean uniform every day and only put it on at the workplace
- Aprons – Wear different full aprons at specific prep stations (e.g. seafood and vegetables)
- Gloves – Use separate disposable gloves when handling raw and cooked food
- Shoes – Wear only non-slip, full, covered shoes
- Cap – Wear clean caps every day to prevent hair from falling into dishes
- Jewelry – Remove all jewelry on hands and fingers, including rings
- Mask – Wear a clean mask every day while in the kitchen, especially when feeling unwell
Common personal hygiene practices
Besides wearing the proper kitchen attire, your staff should follow standard hygiene practices. Even simple actions can hugely impact the quality and safety of your food. Conduct regular checks every morning to ensure your crew's discipline in maintaining their hygiene.
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Do not: Do: Sneeze into food Keep your fingernails short and clean Scratch your body when cooking/serving
Keep your hair and beard neat – tie up long hair. Rub your face or nose on your shoulder. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap
Clean your ears with your fingers
Work on a clean surface
Wipe off sweat with your bare hands. Use different plastic chopping boards and knives for cooked and raw food
Wear accessories
Come to work if you are sick
Restaurant Food Safety Rules
It can get hectic in the kitchen during dining hours, and the last thing you want is someone getting injured. Here are some ways to reduce the risk of accidents:
- Do not rush: Avoid rushing or running around the kitchen. You need to serve your diners promptly, but you shouldn’t put anyone’s safety at risk. Staying calm and composed will even speed up the process and prevent unnecessary messes or accidents.
- Always keep an eye on the stove: Do not leave stoves unattended – a naked fire may soon escalate into a burning kitchen.
- Be careful with the gas: You should also turn off the gas when not using the stove to prevent fires or explosions.
- Store dangerous objects safely: Do not place sharp or hot items in exposed or hidden corners. During dining hours, your kitchen staff may be unaware of the danger. Keep such objects in safe spots.
- Get the right tools: Use the correct equipment and utensils for their intended purposes.
- Keep cleaning products away: Avoid storing cleaning agents in the kitchen. Keep them away from raw ingredients, cooked food, and cooking tools.
- Keep a first aid kit nearby: Always place a first aid kit and fire extinguisher within reach. Ensure that both are not expired.
Everyone has a part to play in ensuring kitchen hygiene and safety. Be vigilant and disciplined to prevent accidents and even save a colleague’s life.
