5 Ways to Equip Your Restaurant for Food Safety
Safety & Technology
2020.09.11
Original Post 2020.03.25
Food safety is a top priority for restaurant operators and customers alike. Foodborne illnesses are more likely to be contracted from food prepared at a restaurant than at home. In addition to practicing safe food handling and preparation, selecting restaurant equipment that supports food safety can also help keep customers safe.
NSF certification indicates that a piece of equipment is designed and constructed to promote food safety, and that the design follows health department regulations. All stainless steel pumps from Server Products have this certification and meet the necessary sanitation levels required for commercial foodservice. This video walks through the steps for properly cleaning a stainless steel pump:
The easiest way to heat and hold soups, sauces and toppings at a safe serving temperature is with an NSF-listed rethermalizing warmer. Warmers with this distinction first must receive NSF certification and then undergo specific rethermalization testing. This second phase of testing determines the ability of a commercial food warmer to heat food to a safe serving temperature quickly enough to prevent bacteria from growing. Selecting an NSF-certified rethermalizing warmer with thermostatic control ensures that soups and other foods remain at a safe and correct temperature as the quantity is depleted across the day or daypart.
Using bulk condiment pouches increases food safety by creating a more sanitary dispensing system. The fitment on the pouch connects directly to the dispenser, creating a closed-loop system that protects against cross-contamination and prevents tampering with the food product.
Heated utensil holders ensure that utensils are safely held above 140° F to prevent bacteria growth. An added benefit of heated utensil holders is the small amount of water they use compared to continuous-flow dipper wells – saving foodservice operations water, energy and money while maintaining guest safety.
For more details on caring for your Server equipment, check out these videos. To learn more about how Server ensures food safety from design, to manufacturing and into the commercial kitchen, use the contact information here.
5. New touchless express dispensers
With 81% of patrons seeking restaurants with a safe environment and strict safety precautions[1], the Touchless Express dispensers make it easy for foodservice operations to increase safety by limiting contact between humans and food products. When placed back-of-house, the unit helps reduce contact between staff members. If placed front-of-house for patrons to use, it eliminates contact from customer to customer when engaging a shared dispenser. Dispensing from pouched food products also eliminates the potential for food contamination.