Food safety really matters. Though it isn't something most people think about on a daily basis, those in the restaurant industry are always thinking about it. Food safety is constantly on the mind of restaurant owners, chefs, kitchen staff members and anyone else involved in the restaurant. The last thing anyone working in the industry wants is for a customer to get sick from food that chefs worked hard to prepare. At the same time, people in the industry also want to avoid having their restaurant shut down because they didn't meet food safety standards.
Food Safety Guidelines
Food safety doesn't have to be an impossible thing to tackle. Having the right equipment and the right knowledge will help you. Here are some guidelines to remember:
All restaurant employees should follow hygiene guidelines. They should always wash their hands after using the restroom and before preparing food.
Cross-contamination of foods should be avoided at all times. Wash, rinse and sanitize all food contact surfaces like work tables, slicers, and other preparation equipment.
Cook foods to recommended internal temperatures.
Hot foods should be held hot at temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. Holding cabinets provide a constant source of proper heat.
Cold foods should be kept cold at temperatures of 41 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Keep a thermometer in your refrigerator to make sure the temperature is at the proper setting.
Abusing standard time and temperature standards for food should be avoided at all costs when handling prepared foods.
Leftovers should only be reheated in the oven once; after that they should be tossed out.
Food Safety Means Better Health
The bottom line is that food safety matters to everyone. Restaurateurs, chefs, employees, and patrons can all be harmed by foodborne pathogens. There are more than 250 known foodborne diseases that cause anywhere from minor illness to death. By following the simple guidelines listed above and by making sure all of your restaurant equipment is functioning properly, you can help prevent disease and illness caused by unhealthy foods.
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