Hygiene is the key ingredient in the success of any restaurant endeavour. Good hygiene is important for the health and safety of customers. If the restaurant isn’t able to maintain hygiene in their kitchen and food, the customers will start avoiding their visits in no time. It is very important for the restaurateur to employ people who have taken a food safety course for a hygienic kitchen environment. Below, we present 5 effective methods for maintaining good hygiene in restaurant kitchens:

Ensure that the kitchen staff always stores and prepares food separately

To avoid cross-contamination of foods, make sure your staff uses colour-coded chopping boards and preparation bowls. All the perishables in your fridge have different ‘best before’ dates, be very watchful of the same. Marking all items thoroughly with dates eliminates the risk of spoiled ingredients being used in dishes.

The preparation surfaces and appliances must be cleaned and sanitised regularly

Cleaning and sanitising all food preparation surface and appliances with surface disinfectant spray or wipes after preparing food is a vital step in maintaining the hygiene of your kitchen. Surfaces that come in immediate contact with food should be rinsed thoroughly with water after use. Decontaminate reusable cloths between each task if you use them.

Pest control – to prevent pest infection

Nothing can be more unhygienic than a kitchen full of rats and cockroaches. Pest control is the main aspect of a hygienic kitchen. Empty and clear trash and rubbish bins on a regular basis. Keep them fully covered to stop pests and germ build-up. Hire professional pest control for periodic inspections to keep your kitchen free from the dirty invaders.

Knowledgeable staff are good staff – School your kitchen staff in hygiene

School your staff regarding food safety. Enrolling in food safety courses will make your staff aware of all the aspects of a hygienic kitchen. As per food safety standards (3.2.2) of The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) within Australia require owners of food businesses to ensure that, food handlers and their supervisors have the expertise and talent required to handle food safely. Hiring employees holding food safety course certificates (or providing training to gain such skills) will reduce your training work to a great extent.
The food safety certification is important to be compliant and working within the regulations of the health department
Put the food safety certificates at the entrance or in the dining area of your restaurant. This will not only keep the customers satisfied with your hygiene but will also help you to work within the regulations to maintain the hygiene standards for the upcoming years.
Considering these steps in your day to day routine will help you to maintain a hassle-free hygienic kitchen.