A bad health code inspection has the power to wreak havoc on your business and can even mean the difference between a thriving establishment and a failing one. In the restaurant industry things change daily, so an eatery that would pass a health code inspection with flying colors one day may have a number of visible infractions a day later. Here’s a look at some important steps to take to avoid a bad health code inspection so that restaurant service doesn’t suffer as a result.
Ensure Employees Are Washing Their Hands
Even if an inspector is standing right next to you, it’s better to have them hear you advise an employee to wash their hands if the situation warrants than it would be for them to notice on their own and consider it a violation.
Ensure Gloves Are Worn at Appropriate Times
Line cooks should always wear gloves when directly handling food items, and they also must always wash their hands before putting the gloves on. Many kitchen employees see an inspector and immediately put their gloves on, but in truth, this is only necessary when hands are in direct contact with food.
Discard Employee Drinks and Snacks
Like with hand-washing, you’ll want to discard employee foods or drinks you come across during an inspection, even if the inspector is nearby. It’s a violation either way, but the inspector may take into account your willingness to correct the infraction before being asked and this may be reflected in the inspection report.
Track Food Temperatures
If temperature-sensitive foods are slightly warm, simply adding ice may be sufficient, but if they’re bordering on too warm, get rid of them. If spotted by the inspector, foods far out of temperature are cause for concern, and may result in you seeing that inspector again sooner than you may like.
Maintain Proper Sanitation
Make sure your dish machine is properly sanitized and that your towel buckets always have sanitizer. This is critical at all times, but even more so when an inspector is present. In the event that a repair technician needs to be called, do so, even during the inspection itself.
Maximize Your Chances of a Positive Inspection
While it’s almost impossible to know when an inspection will occur, there are steps you can take to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. For more information, contact CASCO (Commercial Appliance Service Company) at (707) 544-5200 or stay connected socially via Facebook or Google +.
Ensure Employees Are Washing Their Hands
Even if an inspector is standing right next to you, it’s better to have them hear you advise an employee to wash their hands if the situation warrants than it would be for them to notice on their own and consider it a violation.
Ensure Gloves Are Worn at Appropriate Times
Line cooks should always wear gloves when directly handling food items, and they also must always wash their hands before putting the gloves on. Many kitchen employees see an inspector and immediately put their gloves on, but in truth, this is only necessary when hands are in direct contact with food.
Discard Employee Drinks and Snacks
Like with hand-washing, you’ll want to discard employee foods or drinks you come across during an inspection, even if the inspector is nearby. It’s a violation either way, but the inspector may take into account your willingness to correct the infraction before being asked and this may be reflected in the inspection report.
Track Food Temperatures
If temperature-sensitive foods are slightly warm, simply adding ice may be sufficient, but if they’re bordering on too warm, get rid of them. If spotted by the inspector, foods far out of temperature are cause for concern, and may result in you seeing that inspector again sooner than you may like.
Maintain Proper Sanitation
Make sure your dish machine is properly sanitized and that your towel buckets always have sanitizer. This is critical at all times, but even more so when an inspector is present. In the event that a repair technician needs to be called, do so, even during the inspection itself.
Maximize Your Chances of a Positive Inspection
While it’s almost impossible to know when an inspection will occur, there are steps you can take to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. For more information, contact CASCO (Commercial Appliance Service Company) at (707) 544-5200 or stay connected socially via Facebook or Google +.