The restaurant industry in America is enormous. Over 600,000 restaurants in the United States employ over 14 million people. The industry is expected to grow by another 1.6 percent in the coming years. This growth is driven by population growth and the increasing popularity of eating out. The pandemic might have affected it immensely, but it’s making a bounce back this year.
The restaurant industry is constantly changing in the United States. New restaurants are opening every day, despite the pandemic. Unfortunately, it can be hard to keep up with the trends and know which restaurants are worth your time and money.
Running a restaurant is also a challenging undertaking. It is a complex and difficult industry with many moving parts. From the front of the house to the back, many people are working hard to make sure your experience is a good one.
Among the challenges of running a restaurant, safety is above all. Unfortunately, the worse accidents can still happen in even the safest restaurants. But there are ways to make your restaurant safer.
Train your staff on food safety protocols
Training your staff is the first and most crucial step in keeping your restaurant safe. Your team should experience training in food safety protocols and how to handle hazardous materials. They should know how to store and prepare food properly and clean and sanitize all surfaces.
You can find training programs from various organizations, such as the Food Safety Training Program from the National Restaurant Association. However, don’t forget to teach your staff the prime essentials of food safety, such as proper handwashing.
Perform regular risk assessments
Risk assessments help you identify potential hazards in your restaurant. Once you’ve identified the dangers, you can take steps to mitigate them.
You should perform a risk assessment at least once a year. But it’s best to do them more often, especially if you make any changes to your menu or operations.
You’ll want to look for a few things during your risk assessment. First, identify any hazardous materials, such as chemicals or cleaning supplies. Next, assess the risks associated with these materials. Finally, put together a plan to mitigate these risks.
For example, if you use cleaning supplies that contain harmful chemicals, make sure they’re properly labeled and stored away from food areas. You should also have a plan for what to do in case of a spill.
Invest in proper equipment
Another way to make your restaurant safer is to invest in the right equipment. Invest in non-slip floor mats, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits. In addition, fire from stoves is a severe hazard, so you might want to invest in robust fire-resistant clothing. Having this kind of clothing will ensure that your chefs are safe from the stoves.
You should also have the proper safety equipment for your staff, such as gloves, aprons, and hairnets. Such equipment will help protect them from hazards while they’re working.
Make sure your equipment is up to date and in good condition. For example, check the expiration date on your fire extinguishers and make sure fire inspection crews are charging them properly. In addition, inspect your first-aid kit regularly and restock it as needed.
Keep your kitchen clean and organized
A clean and organized kitchen is a safer kitchen. Make sure all surfaces are clean and free of debris. This includes the floor, counters, prep tables, and cutting boards.
You should also have a place for everything in your kitchen. This will help you keep things organized and prevent clutter. It will also make it easier to find things when you need them.
In addition to keeping your kitchen clean, you should also make sure it’s well-ventilated. This will help reduce the risk of fires and explosions.
Implement strict policies on food storage
One of the most critical aspects of food safety is proper food storage. This includes storing food at the correct temperature and keeping it away from potential contaminants.
You should have strict policies in place for food storage. All staff should be adequately trained on these policies. For example, employees should store all raw meat below cooked food to prevent cross-contamination.
You should also label all food containers with the date they were prepared. This will help you track how long the food has been stored. And make sure to rotate your stock so that older food is used first.
Follow good personal hygiene practices
Personal hygiene is essential for both customers and staff. Everyone should clean their hands thoroughly and often. You should also provide handwashing stations in all food preparation areas.
In addition to handwashing, staff should also avoid touching their face and hair. They should also wear clean clothes and change them regularly.
If someone is sick, they should not be working in the kitchen. By quarantining them, you can help prevent the spread of illness.
By following these seven steps, you can help make your restaurant a safer place. Remember, safer restaurant is a profitable restaurant!
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