Healthy and Hygienic: Food Safety Practices in Hotel Housekeeping
As summer heat reaches its peak in the next few months, it’s crucial for hotel and resort housekeeping departments to pay extra attention to food safety and hygiene practices in their work and supply areas. No matter what hospitality establishment you are based in, maintaining a safe and clean environment is of the utmost importance.
No one understands the importance of cleanliness and excellence more than MasterCorp. That’s why in this article, we will enlighten you on the significance of practicing healthy and hygienic food safety practices during the summer months, while also giving you helpful tips on storing cleaning chemicals and maintaining cleanliness in food preparation areas, all while adhering to proper sanitation protocols!
Tips for Storing Cleaning Chemicals Properly
Proper storage for cleaning chemicals is critical to maintaining a safe and hygienic environment, especially during the summer, when temperatures rise along with the risk of hazardous reactions. Here are a few of our recommendations when it comes to handling these substances with care!
Temperature Control
Make sure cleaning chemicals are stored in cool and dry areas, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Remember, high temperatures can cause chemicals to degrade, reducing their effectiveness. If you use these chemicals to clean kitchens, this means they might not kill harmful germs and bacteria, potentially compromising food safety.
Labeling and Organization
Clearly label and organize cleaning chemicals to prevent any mix-ups or accidental use in food preparation areas. Keep cleaning products in separate locations from food storage areas to avoid cross-contamination.
Ventilation
Maintaining adequate ventilation in storage areas is crucial to preventing the buildup of harmful fumes or odors that can contaminate food. Ensure that storage spaces are well-ventilated and free from any leaks or spills, and make sure to go the extra mile and inspect all of your ventilation systems regularly, as they can become strained during the summer months.
Maintaining Cleanliness in Food Preparation Areas
At MasterCorp, we know that food preparation areas are the heart of any housekeeping department. It’s where Associates re-charge, fuel, and connect socially before the day and during their breaks. That’s why we recommend following these practices, which can help maintain cleanliness and uphold food safety standards:
- Regular cleaning and disinfection: At MasterCorp, cleanliness is a way of life. That’s why we recommend establishing a routine for thorough cleaning and disinfection of food preparation surfaces, utensils, and equipment in your housekeeping department’s recreation area. Make sure you pay special attention to areas prone to bacterial growth, such as cutting boards, countertops, and refrigerators.
- Cross-contamination prevention: Implement strict protocols to avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods. Use separate cutting boards, knives, and utensils for different food items. Ensure that all surfaces are properly cleaned between food preparations. Additionally, make sure that all cooking supplies are cleaned immediately after use to avoid someone accidentally using something dirty and then spreading those germs to the unit and, by extension, guests.
Adhering to Proper Sanitation Protocols
Everything MasterCorp cleans is done with proper sanitation protocols and regulations in mind. There’s a reason these practices work: they act as the backbone of a successful food safety program! We suggest emphasizing the following practices to maintain high standards of hygiene:
Hand hygiene: Proper handwashing isn’t just crucial for preventing the spread of harmful bacteria; it’s required! Make sure when you train housekeepers, you emphasize the importance of proper handwashing techniques and enforce strict hand hygiene practices before and after handling food, using restrooms, touching potentially contaminated surfaces, or cleaning units.
Food storage and Temperature Control: When cleaning and inspecting units, make sure you check the refrigerators and freezers to ensure they are on and set to the right temperature. This will ensure no guests food will go bad during their stay and contaminate other items in the fridge.
Staff Training and Education: Perform regular training sessions to educate your housekeeping staff on the importance of food safety practices. At MasterCorp. We don’t believe in cutting corners, which means we take the time to commit to a culture of care where every Associate goes home the same way they came in.
The MasterCorp Advantage
During the summer months, when temperatures soar, it is crucial to prioritize healthy and hygienic food safety practices in housekeeping departments, and no one does this better than MasterCorp. We make sure our Associates are trained and up to date in proper hygiene and safety procedures to not only prevent foodborne illnesses but also promote our culture of care and longstanding reputation of excellence.
Partner with MasterCorp, and we will keep you a step above the rest!
Request a proposal today to learn more!