The 10 basic rules for a hygienic commercial kitchen: How to stay clean and safe!
In a commercial kitchen, hygiene is crucial to protect the health of your guests and keep operations running smoothly. With these simple tips, you can avoid a variety of problems and ensure your kitchen stays clean and hygienic.
1. Don't wear street clothes in the kitchen
The first step to a hygienic kitchen is to leave street clothes outside the kitchen area. Wearing work clothes or aprons will help minimize contamination from external contaminants.
2. Cover jewelry
Jewelry can harbor bacteria and increase the risk of contamination. Make sure all employees cover their jewelry before beginning food preparation.
3. Disinfect your hands
Regular washing and disinfecting hands is one of the most important steps to prevent foodborne infections. Make sure your employees thoroughly disinfect their hands when starting work, when changing tasks and after using the toilet.
4. Cover hand injuries
Hand injuries can increase the risk of cross-contamination. Use finger cots or gloves to cover hand injuries and ensure a safe work environment.
5. Store and prepare meat products and plant-based foods separately
To minimize the risk of cross-contamination, store and prepare meat and plant-based foods separately. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods.
6. Regularly clean and disinfect work tables and equipment
Keep your work surfaces and equipment clean and disinfected to prevent the growth of bacteria. Schedule regular cleaning and disinfection routines to maintain a hygienic environment.
7. Cool food quickly and in portions
Cooling food quickly is crucial to prevent the growth of bacteria. Portion food and cool it quickly to recommended temperatures to ensure the safety of your dishes.
8. Separation of clean and dirty side in the rinsing area
Keep the dishwashing area neat and well organized. Separate the clean and unclean sides to avoid contamination of clean dishes and cutlery.
9. Fighting vermin
Use preventative measures to prevent pests from entering your kitchen. Keep your kitchen clean and seal potential entry points to keep pests out.
10. Store waste outside the kitchen area
Store waste outside the kitchen area and dispose of it regularly. Use sealable containers to prevent the spread of odors and pests.
A hygienic commercial kitchen is critical to the success of your business and the safety of your guests. By following these simple basic rules, you can ensure your kitchen remains clean, safe and hygienic.
