All restaurants are required to comply with national and local restaurant health and safety codes that are in place in order to protect people from contracting all kinds of food borne illnesses. It is usually the local health department that checks and ensures that all the health codes are observed by restaurant owners, managers and staff. Health codes vary from one state to another, from one country to another. But here are the basics of restaurant health and safety code that you need to know. These basics are practically the same everywhere.
This is very important when opening a new restaurant. You need to know the health code, so you will know what to consider when preparing your restaurant for the public. But here are the general rules that apply to practically all restaurants:
Restaurant Employees Should Observe Proper Hygiene
Stewards, for instance, should make sure that they come to work well-groomed. They should avoid going to work when they’re sick. Stewarding supervisors should send home sick employees or at least assign them to tasks that won’t require them to handle food or kitchen utensils.
Prepare for Inspections At Least Twice a Year
Restaurant inspections can happen at least twice a year or more. It is important for restaurant owners, managers and staff to prepare for an inspection. Initially, a restaurant has to pass the health inspection in order to start its operation. After that, it needs to prepare for an inspection twice a year. Violations can result to a low health inspection score – or worse, being shut down!
Observe the Rules When It Comes to Surface Cleaning
Health codes are very specific when it comes to restaurant cleaning. They prescribe certain cleaners and sanitizers and prohibit other materials. You need to know which ones are prohibited and which ones are allowed. You should also know specific rules when it comes to cleaning cooking or dining utensils. For instance, your local health office might prohibit restaurants from using the same chopping board for both meat and vegetables. They may require different chopping boards for different kinds of food.
Observe the Rules on Proper Food Handling and Storage
Stewards may not concern themselves much on food preparation, but sometimes you may have to help out when it comes to handling food and storing them. It is important to know the specific health codes when it comes to handling food. There will be times when you may have touch food in storage. It is a good idea to know the rules applicable to these situations.
Equip the Restaurant with the Right Cleaning Equipment and Supplies
If you want a clean restaurant, then you have to make sure that you provide your stewards with the right cleaning equipment and supplies. These things should not be hazardous to anyone’s health, stewards and customers alike.
Get In Touch with Your Local Health Office
If you would like to know the rules that apply to your restaurant, then you should get in touch with the right government office. Inquire about the health and safety codes. In fact, you should do this before you open the restaurant. You also should keep yourself updated with the changes in the code. This way you will always be prepared for a health inspection.
