It’s never easy managing a business, especially in food production. Nevertheless, you can take steps to ensure all staff and customers remain happy and healthy. Use these essential safety tips to help your bakery business.
Make Sure Staff Sanitize Workstations
A common phrase among chefs and other food service professionals is you’re only as good as your workstation. Therefore, one of the most important tips for bakery staff to know about safety and wellness is proper sanitation. This applies to both the baker and the workstation. Make sure all employees wash their hands before touching food and after using the bathroom. You do not want your business reputation to be known for causing food-related illnesses. Also, make sure to clean workstations throughout the day. Dust, dirt, and food debris all collect on equipment and storage units, so do your best to clean as you work.
Handle Employee Illness With Care
No one wants to feel like a brute, especially when managing a team. Still, when owning a business—especially in food production—it’s crucial to handle all employee-related issues immediately. If you suspect one of your employees is sick, send them home. You do not want to risk cross-contamination or the spread of foodborne illnesses. Train employees to identify illness and report to you without repercussions. After all, you want to ensure the safety and well-being of your staff.
Regularly Clean Equipment
An essential safety tip for your bakery is to clean all processing equipment. This doesn’t apply strictly to your immediate workstation. Wipe down all surfaces with anti-bacterial wipes to kill germs or microorganisms. Make sure the product dries so you don’t poison your patrons. Additionally, soak all used tools in soapy water to remove stubborn food debris. It may help to use a food service brush on countertops, floors, and equipment to remove contaminants.
Inspect Food Storage
Lastly, inspect your food storage. Make sure to use all ingredients before they expire. Food safety is imperative to the health of your customers. Broken freezers or refrigerators could lead to spoilage and encourage the spread of foodborne illnesses. Use preventative care so these machines don’t break. Also, check pantries and cabinets for rodents or insect infestations, as these creatures can harbor contagious diseases.
