Food Safety and Sanitation Practices

Preventing Cross-Contamination in Food Safety

• Prevent cross-contamination by washing hands, using separate equipment, and maintaining sanitization of work surfaces.
• Change gloves as necessary to avoid spreading pathogens.
• Cross-contamination refers to the transfer of pathogens between different foods.
• Store food only in designated food areas to maintain safety and prevent contamination.

Food Storage Practices

• Always wrap or cover food before storage to protect it from contaminants.
• Chemical containers should never be used for food storage to prevent hazardous exposure.
• Raw foods should be stored separately from ready-to-eat foods to minimize risk.

Sanitation in Food Preparation

• Sanitize items such as cutting boards and utensils regularly to reduce the risk of contamination.
• Ready-to-eat foods must not come into contact with surfaces that have handled raw meats, seafood, or poultry.

Kitchen Hygiene Protocols

• Clean and sanitize the prep sink and work area before starting any kitchen work.
• Refrigerate sliced melons, cut tomatoes, and cut leafy greens to preserve freshness and safety.

Serving and Handling Practices

• Customers should not be allowed to refill dirty plates to avoid cross-contamination.
• Ice that has been used to keep food or beverages cold should not be reused for serving.

Proper Handling Techniques

• Foods must be labeled to ensure proper identification and management.
• Hold serving dishes by the bottom or edge to maintain cleanliness and avoid contamination.
• Never stack glasses when carrying; use a rack or tray for safe transport.

Utensil and Equipment Management

• Always hold utensils by the handle to keep the working end clean.
• Avoid using bare hands when scooping ice to maintain hygiene.
• Towels should not be stored in aprons as it can lead to contamination.

Usage of Utensils and Chemical Disposal

• Use separate utensils for serving different food items to prevent cross-contact.
• Dispose of chemicals according to their labels to ensure safety and environmental compliance.