1. Food Preparation Areas:
Food preparation areas need to be regularly inspected to ensure that they are kept clean and sanitary. Restaurant owners and managers should check for any food debris, spills or other substances that may have been left behind by employees. Any surfaces used for preparing food should be disinfected using approved cleaning products, and all utensils and equipment should be sanitized.
2. Kitchen Supplies & Equipment:
All kitchen supplies and equipment need to be in good working order, so it is important for restaurant owners and managers to regularly inspect their items for any signs of wear or damage. They should also check for proper storage and labeling of ingredients, as well as the expiration dates on food products.
3. Sanitation Practices:
Restaurants must follow proper sanitation practices at all times, including wearing protective gear while handling food, washing hands frequently with warm water and soap, using single-use gloves when necessary, keeping raw foods away from cooked items and refraining from cross-contamination.
4. Personal Hygiene:
Employees must practice good personal hygiene while at work, including wearing clean uniforms and hair nets, washing hands regularly, avoiding smoking or chewing gum in food preparation areas and not coming to work when ill.
5. Pest Control:
Pests can pose a serious health risk if they are present in the restaurant. Restaurant owners should inspect all areas of their establishment for evidence of pests such as cockroaches and rodents, as well as take steps to prevent them from entering the premises.
6. Water Quality Testing:
Restaurants should routinely test their water supplies for contaminants, bacteria and other impurities that could lead to illness. This includes testing both drinking water and any water used in food preparation.
7. Allergen Awareness:
Restaurants should be aware of any potential allergens that may be present in the food they serve, and must take steps to ensure customers are able to make informed choices about what they are eating. This includes labeling all dishes with potential allergens and informing staff about the ingredients used in each dish.
8. Food Labeling:
All foods served at a restaurant must be labeled properly, so customers can easily determine what is contained within a dish. This includes listing all ingredients, nutrition information and any potential allergens or dietary restrictions that could apply.
9. Cleanliness & Maintenance:
Cleanliness and maintenance of the restaurant should be regularly inspected, in order to ensure that all areas of the establishment are kept clean and free from dirt and debris. This includes checking both inside and outside areas of the premises, such as bathrooms, dining rooms, kitchens and service areas.
10. Waste Disposal:
Restaurants must take steps to properly dispose of any food waste or other materials that could contaminate kitchen surfaces or cause a health hazard. This includes using approved containers for disposal of items such as fats, oils, and grease.
11. Emergency Procedures:
Restaurant owners must have emergency procedures in place in case of illness or accidents that may occur within their establishment. These should include steps for dealing with spills or fires, as well as procedures for informing customers and employees of any potential health risks.
12. Employee Education & Training:
It is important for restaurant owners to ensure that all employees receive proper training on food safety and sanitation practices. This includes teaching them the importance of following these procedures and providing ongoing education on topics such as illness prevention, safe food handling and personal hygiene.
13. Record Keeping:
Restaurant owners should also keep detailed records of their food safety practices, including employee training sessions, inspection results and maintenance logs. These records can be used to identify potential issues or problems with their food safety program and help to ensure compliance with regulations.