Food handling can go bad quickly. If you’re not careful, food can spoil and can cause your workers and customers to get very sick. This can open up a can of worms we are sure you, as a business owner, don’t want to deal with. Below, we go through five safety tips for storing food and avoiding issues like contamination and pest infestations.
Cover and Throw Away
Don’t let items, especially food, sit out. That goes for any food material or organic substance you’re working with. If it’s not being used, cover it. If it’s temperature controlled or should be, that should also be a priority.
Don’t Let Products Go Bad
When stocking your inventory, place newly acquired items at the back of the storage shelves or refrigerators. Move older products to the front for easy accessibility and to encourage their use before expiration dates. Regularly inspect your stock and discard any expired or damaged items to prevent potential health hazards.
Avoid Cross Contamination
Use separate storage areas or different containers to prevent any potential contact between these two types of food. Implementing this practice reduces the chances of harmful bacteria spreading and causing foodborne illnesses.
Proper Packaging and Labeling
Invest in high-quality, airtight containers and packaging materials to keep your food fresh and protected from contaminants. Well-sealed containers also help prevent odors from one food item from permeating others. Additionally, ensure all containers are clearly labeled with the product name, preparation date, and use-by date. This information aids in easy identification and helps your staff adhere to the FIFO method more effectively.
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
If there was ever a great piece of advice, it would be this. A clean and organized storage area is the foundation of food safety. Establish a regular cleaning schedule for your storage spaces, including shelves, refrigerators, and freezers. Make sure to use appropriate cleaning agents that are food-safe and effective against pathogens.
Final Thoughts
You can never be too careful when it comes to food safety. Whether you’re trying to DIY Food Safety Pest Control in Las Vegas or hire a professional, the above tips can be a great way to maximize the effectiveness. Remember that keeping food covered and handling waste appropriately is the best way to minimize the dangers associated with infestations.
