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Every restaurant owner, chef, and cook knows the value of offering and serving the best possible food in an efficient and safe manner. Food quality and food safety should both be of equal importance. HACCP, or Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, is a federal agency dedicated to offering free guidelines and information on food safety. Those in the food service industry are required by their respective state and local entities to abide by food safety standards set by the entities themselves. Most of HACCP’s guidelines are voluntary and used by restaurants on that basis (although most state & local guidelines overlap with HACCP’s).
One of the most important regulations and first lines of defense is proper food temperature. If food is not kept out of temperature ‘danger zones’, then it is possible to spread various kinds of bacteria and food borne illnesses such as E. coli and Salmonella. To aide in maintaining proper food temperatures it is essential to have thermostats on all freezers and refrigerators that have been properly calibrated and are in good working condition. In addition, it is imperative to have HACCP approved thermometers & timers for food prep tables, grills & stoves, as well as hot & cold food holding stations. In the food service industry, the restaurant is the last line of defense for preventing food contamination, so having the proper equipment protects the restaurant owners from liability and the customer from illness.
Aside from proper thermostats and thermometers, what are other ways to protect against food contamination? Sinks. It is imperative to have proper hand washing stations with a routine schedule for employees. Sanitary conditions help avoid contamination issues that could arise that could potentially hurt restaurant business and reputation. Each restaurant should have a regular safety plan that includes proper hand washing procedures, the ‘FIFO’ (First In, First Out) rule and proper holding timers, for example. These should be regularly monitored and revised as needed. Protecting customers and your investments are of utmost importance. At Jean’s Restaurant Supply, we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain proper food safety goals within your restaurant. We have the thermostats, thermometers, nail brushes, food timers and sinks that you need to begin implementing, or enhancing, your own restaurant food safety plan. Jean’s Restaurant Supply will work with you to make your restaurant facility completely HACCP compliant!
For a complete guide to restaurant & food safety, visit HACCP’s website: www.cfsan.fda.gov. Once you have visited their site, considered their recommendations, and are ready to implement them, we are here to help you obtain what you need to maintain those standards. For assistance with any questions concerning these guidelines or restaurant supply products, e-mail us at contact@jeansrestaurantsupply.com, Mon – Fri 8a-6p CST or Sat 9a-3p CST.
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