Summer is a busy time for restaurants, with patrons flocking to enjoy warm weather and seasonal menus. However, the heat also brings challenges in maintaining hygiene, which is crucial to ensure customer safety and satisfaction. In this article, we will explore a few essential tips to keep your restaurant spotless during the summer months. We’ll also discuss the role of a restaurant’s online ordering system in maintaining high hygiene standards, especially when handling takeout and delivery orders.
1. Implement a Vigorous Cleaning Schedule
A consistent and thorough cleaning schedule is the cornerstone of restaurant hygiene. During summer, when temperatures rise, bacteria and pests can thrive, making cleanliness even more critical.
Daily Tasks
- Sanitize High-Touch Areas: Ensure frequent cleaning of surfaces like door handles, countertops, and POS systems.
- Clean Cooking Equipment: Regularly clean grills, ovens, and fryers to prevent grease buildup.
- Sweep and Mop Floors: High foot traffic can accumulate dirt, which needs to be cleaned daily.
Weekly Tasks
- Deep Clean Refrigerators and Freezers: Remove old food items and sanitise the shelves.
- Inspect and Clean Ventilation Systems: Ensure there is proper airflow and reduce dust buildup.
If you maintain a strict cleaning regimen, you can minimise the risk of contamination and ensure a safe environment for both staff and customers.
2. Train Staff on Hygiene Practices
Well-trained staff are your first line of defence against hygiene issues. Regular training sessions can help reinforce proper hygiene practices.
Key Training Points
- Handwashing Techniques: Teach the importance of washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure staff use gloves and masks, especially when handling food.
- Proper Food Handling: Emphasise the need for proper storage, preparation, and serving techniques.
Continuous training ensures that all employees are up-to-date with the latest health regulations and hygiene standards.
3. Optimise Your Restaurant Online Ordering System
A restaurant’s online ordering system is not just about convenience; it also plays a crucial role in maintaining hygiene.
Benefits
- Minimise Physical Contact: Reducing in-person interactions helps limit the spread of germs.
- Streamlined Process: An efficient system can reduce errors and ensure orders are handled properly.
- Integrated Payments: Contactless payments reduce the need to handle cash, which can be a source of contamination.
Implementation Tips
- User-Friendly Interface: Ensure your online ordering system is easy to use, encouraging customers to opt for it over in-person orders.
- Regular Updates: Keep the system updated with the latest menu items and prices to avoid confusion and errors.
By optimising your online ordering system, you can enhance both customer experience and hygiene standards.
4. Maintain Proper Food Storage
Proper food storage is essential to prevent spoilage and contamination, especially during the hot summer months.
Best Practices
- Temperature Control: Ensure refrigerators and freezers are set to the correct temperatures (below 40°F for refrigerators and 0°F for freezers).
- First In, First Out (FIFO): Use older stock first to reduce waste and ensure freshness.
- Separate Storage: Store raw and cooked foods separately to prevent cross-contamination.
Regularly inspect storage areas to ensure they meet health and safety standards.
5. Pest Control Management
Summer can bring an influx of pests such as flies, rodents, and cockroaches, which can pose serious health risks.
Preventive Measures
- Seal Entry Points: Ensure doors, windows, and vents are properly sealed to prevent pest entry.
- Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections to identify and address pest issues early.
- Hire Professionals: Consider a professional pest control service for regular maintenance.
Effective pest control is critical to maintaining a hygienic restaurant environment.
6. Enhance Kitchen Ventilation
Good ventilation helps control temperature and reduces the buildup of grease and odours, contributing to a cleaner kitchen environment.
Steps to Improve Ventilation
- Install Exhaust Fans: These help remove excess heat and moisture from the kitchen.
- Regular Maintenance: Clean and maintain ventilation systems to ensure they function efficiently.
- Air Purifiers: Consider using air purifiers to reduce airborne contaminants.
Proper ventilation helps maintain hygiene and provides a more comfortable working environment for your staff.
7. Use High-Quality Cleaning Products
Investing in high-quality cleaning products ensures more effective sanitation.
Product Selection
- Eco-Friendly Options: Choose environmentally friendly products that are effective yet safe for staff and customers.
- Surface-Specific Cleaners: Use products designed for specific surfaces to avoid damage and ensure thorough cleaning.
- Disinfectants: Ensure disinfectants used meet regulatory standards for eliminating bacteria and viruses.
Using the right products helps maintain a high level of cleanliness without compromising safety.
8. Regular Health Checks for Staff
Ensuring that your staff is healthy is crucial in preventing the spread of illness within your restaurant.
Health Protocols
- Daily Health Screenings: Implement daily health checks, including temperature screenings.
- Sick Leave Policies: Encourage staff to stay home if they feel unwell to prevent spreading illness.
- Vaccinations: Promote vaccinations for staff, especially for illnesses like influenza.
Maintaining the health of your staff is vital for a hygienic and safe restaurant environment.
9. Customer Hygiene Practices
Encourage your customers to maintain hygiene practices to create a safer dining environment.
Tips for Customers
- Hand Sanitiser Stations: Provide hand sanitising stations at entry points and throughout the restaurant.
- Signage: Use signs to remind customers of hygiene practices, such as washing hands and wearing masks.
- Digital Menus: Offer digital menus accessible via QR codes to reduce physical contact.
Promoting customer hygiene practices can significantly enhance overall hygiene standards in your restaurant.
10. Regular Equipment Maintenance
Proper maintenance of kitchen equipment is essential to ensure they operate efficiently and safely.
Maintenance Tips
- Scheduled Servicing: Regularly service equipment to prevent breakdowns and ensure they meet safety standards.
- Clean After Use: Ensure that all equipment is cleaned after use to prevent the buildup of food particles and grease.
- Check for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect equipment for signs of wear and tear and replace parts as necessary.
Well-maintained equipment is crucial for maintaining hygiene and efficiency in your kitchen.
11. Implement a Feedback System
A feedback system can help you identify areas for improvement in your hygiene practices.
Feedback Channels
- Online Reviews: Monitor online reviews and address hygiene-related comments promptly.
- Customer Surveys: Conduct surveys to gather feedback on cleanliness and overall experience.
- Staff Input: Encourage staff to provide feedback on hygiene practices and suggest improvements.
Listening to feedback helps you continually improve and maintain high hygiene standards.
12. Digital Record Keeping
Keeping digital records of cleaning schedules, health checks, and maintenance can help you stay organised and compliant with health regulations.
Advantages
- Easy Access: Digital records are easy to access and update.
- Compliance: Ensure you meet health and safety regulations by keeping detailed records.
- Efficiency: Digital systems can streamline your hygiene management processes.
Using digital tools to manage hygiene records can enhance efficiency and ensure you stay on top of hygiene standards.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining high hygiene standards during the summer is essential for the health and satisfaction of your customers and staff. By implementing these tips and leveraging a restaurant’s online ordering system, you can ensure your restaurant remains clean, safe, and welcoming.
Regular training, proper food storage, effective pest control, and customer engagement are key elements in maintaining a hygienic environment. And remember, maintaining hygiene is a key factor if you want your establishment to get nominations for renowned awards like the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA). Stay proactive, and your restaurant will thrive even during the busiest summer months.
