Critical Health and Safety Investments to Make in Your Restaurant

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When serving the public every day, health and safety are at the forefront. For the restaurant business, that means making sure the facility is in tip-top shape, the staff is following correct procedures, and the public is protected. To address these concerns, restaurant owners should consider making investments in safety.

Restaurant and Kitchen Safety

New hires are routinely trained in safe food handling, cleaning standards, and emergency responses. However, in the flurry of the first few weeks, these lessons might not be completely learned. Further, over time, the kitchen staff may forget, fall into bad habits, or take shortcuts that could be dangerous.

Continual refreshers and periodic retraining sessions are vital in maintaining the highest kitchen safety practices. While these may take staff away from the kitchen for a short time, they are a worthwhile investment. Training sessions may include proper cleaning procedures, avoiding cross-contamination, and keeping food at safe temperatures.

Safety Signs

Signs can be helpful in advising both staff and customers about safety. In the kitchen, signs can remind staff to comply with federal and local regulations regarding things such as handwashing and food storage. Other signs may warn about potential dangers, such as flammable chemicals or the safe use of equipment.

Customers also need reminders to stay safe. It’s common practice to put up sandwich boards when floors are wet, for example. Signs advising customers about masks and social distancing are also helpful. Social distancing signs help set expectations for employees and customers.

Restaurant Technology

Like everything else, restaurant kitchens are becoming more high-tech. Today, there are several devices you can invest in to ensure your kitchen is safe. Keeping foods at the right temperature is always a concern, and regardless of safety protocols, human error does occur.

Digital temperature monitors are available for refrigerators and freezers. In addition, there are inventory software tools that permit you to check on the freshness of the food on hand. Finally, you can make kitchen safety training courses and databases of information about safety practices available to your staff.

Ensuring the safety of both employees and customers is a top priority when running a restaurant. Restaurant owners and managers must continuously keep up with the latest concerns and trends in public safety. It’s a wise investment to plan ways to keep everyone well trained and equipped with the tools they need to stay safe.

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