Maintaining a high level of hygiene and effectively managing pest infestations are crucial aspects of running a successful and reputable restaurant. Customers expect a clean and safe dining environment, and any negligence in this area can lead to severe consequences for your establishment. In this blog post, we will explore the essential practices and strategies to help you maintain impeccable hygiene and effectively manage pest infestations in your restaurant.
- Develop a Robust Cleaning Routine: Regular cleaning is the foundation of maintaining hygiene in your restaurant. Establish a comprehensive cleaning routine that covers all areas of your establishment, including dining areas, kitchen, food storage areas, restrooms, and employee workspaces. Ensure that your staff is trained on proper cleaning techniques and the use of appropriate cleaning agents. Emphasize the importance of frequent handwashing to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.
- Implement Food Safety Measures: Food safety is paramount in a restaurant setting. Adhere to strict guidelines for storing, handling, and preparing food. Monitor expiration dates and implement the “first in, first out” rule to avoid food spoilage. Keep raw and cooked foods separate to prevent cross-contamination. Regularly inspect and clean all food storage areas, refrigerators, and freezers to maintain proper temperature and prevent pest attraction.
- Establish Pest Prevention Measures: Pests can quickly become a major issue in restaurants, jeopardizing both hygiene and the reputation of your establishment. Implement preventive measures such as sealing entry points, installing door sweeps, and implementing a strict waste management system. Regularly inspect the premises for signs of pests, including droppings, gnaw marks, or unusual odours. If you detect any infestation, take immediate action to address it.
- Work with a Professional Pest Control Service: Partnering with a professional pest control service is highly recommended. They can provide routine inspections, identify potential pest entry points, and implement effective pest control strategies tailored to your restaurant’s specific needs. Regular pest control treatments can help prevent infestations and address any pest issues promptly, minimizing the risk of contamination and damage to your restaurant.
- Educate and Train Your Staff: Ensuring that your staff is well-informed and trained in hygiene and pest control practices is essential. Conduct regular training sessions to educate your employees about the importance of hygiene, proper cleaning techniques, and pest prevention measures. Encourage an open line of communication, so employees can report any concerns or observations regarding hygiene or pest-related issues.
- Maintain Proper Waste Management: A proper waste management system is crucial in preventing pest infestations. Implement a waste disposal system that includes sealed bins, regular emptying, and proper waste segregation. Train your staff to dispose of waste correctly and emphasize the importance of maintaining cleanliness in waste storage areas.
- Regular Inspections and Maintenance: Perform regular inspections of your restaurant to identify and address any potential hygiene or pest-related issues promptly. This includes checking for leaks, cracks, or any structural issues that may attract pests. Maintain a proactive approach to maintenance to prevent problems from escalating.
Pest sightings in your restaurant and food not only will lead to the closure of your restaurant but also hamper your restaurant’s reputation and can possess a serious threat to your customers. One such recent incident is as below:
McDonald’s told to pay £500,000 after mouse dropping found in cheeseburger
An inspection found droppings in the restaurant, as well as a half-dead mouse, and it was closed for 10 days
By Neil Shaw; 3 May 2023
McDonald’s has been fined half a million pounds after a customer’s complaint about finding mouse droppings in their cheeseburger uncovered rodents at one of its restaurants. The drive-thru customer complained after tucking into their burger and spotting what appeared to be a mouse dropping on the inside of the food wrapper.
This prompted an investigation by environmental health officers who discovered a rodent infestation at the restaurant which posed an ‘imminent risk’ to public health, and ordered the branch in Leytonstone, east London, to close its doors that same day. Officers found the ‘decomposing remains’ of a mouse as well as droppings ‘throughout the premises’ – including in food preparation areas, main cooking areas and hot food holding areas.
The fast-food giant was taken to court by Waltham Forest Council after pleading guilty to three charges relating to hygiene breaches and ordered to pay £500,000 in fines and costs. Environmental health officers working for Waltham Forest Council visited the restaurant in October 2021, following a complaint from a customer.
The customer, who ordered their food at the drive-thru section of the restaurant, was said to have been ‘halfway through’ eating their cheeseburger when they looked down at the inside of the food wrapper and spotted what they thought was a mouse dropping. The customer complained to Waltham Forest Council, which sent environmental health officers to investigate the Leytonstone restaurant.
The officers discovered conditions at the restaurant which presented ‘a real and imminent risk’ to the health of customers eating there and immediately ordered the restaurant to close – with those sat eating asked to leave halfway through their meals. Amongst the officers’ most shocking findings at the premises were the decomposing remains of a dead mouse and droppings spread across various areas of the restaurant.
Mouse droppings were even found on the floor of the food preparation and main cooking section; in the main cooking area next to a tray of cooking utensils; in the hot holding food preparation area on the main floor; in the staff room; in a storage area and cleaning store cupboard, and even in a box containing a bottle of caramel drizzle drink sauce.
The hygiene conditions were discovered despite staff having completed paperwork claiming that cleaning schedules had been completed, and officers also found several areas in the kitchen to be ‘dirty, greasy and dusty’. The McDonald’s restaurant remained shut for a period of 10 days before officers revisited and were satisfied all issues were resolved and that the restaurant could reopen.
But Waltham Forest Council, which is responsible for the restaurant’s food hygiene rating, took legal action against the fast-food giant for the ‘significant risk’ the conditions of the restaurant posed to its customers. McDonald’s admitted to three charges of hygiene breaches and was ordered to pay a a £475,000 fine and £22,000 costs by magistrates at Thames Magistrates’ Court.
For maintaining hygiene and safety at your restaurant against pesky rodents and insects we can help you by providing you with an eco-friendly solution which is RodrepelTM, TermirepelTM, and CombirepelTM.
These products are manufactured by C Tech Corporation, India. The restaurants can be well protected by using these products. The products are green technology product that does not kill the pest but only repels thus maintaining the ecological balance of the earth. In an environment like a restaurant where food is being prepared and handled, C Tech’s eco-friendly products are an excellent option available to keep pests away.
These products are available in four forms viz. Masterbatch, liquid concentrate, lacquer, wood polish additive, and aerosol sprays.
Masterbatch can be incorporated into polymer-based applications while processing them. The polymer applications like wires, cables, pipes, polymer-made kitchen equipment, etc. can be manufactured by using our masterbatch. This product is used at the industrial level.
The liquid concentrate can be mixed in paints in proper proportion and cover the entire area of infestation by paints. The Interior and exterior of restaurants, storage rooms, ceilings, panels, etc. can be painted with liquid concentrate. Lacquer can be directly used as a top coating over the application; kitchen platforms, trash bins, windows, racks, pallets, etc. can be covered with lacquer. The wood polish additive is also a topical application that can be mixed in the wood polish and applied on wooden surfaces and furniture.
The RodrepelTM rodent repellent spray , TermirepelTM insect repellent spray, CombirepelTM pest repellent spray is an easy to use product. The spray can be sprayed on infested areas and equipment that need protection from pests. It can be sprayed in kitchen, sitting area, around tables, around trash bins, in cracks and crevices, etc.
Our product solutions do not interfere with the properties of the application and in plus point provides complete protection against the harmful pest like rats and mice and various insects.
Maintaining impeccable hygiene and effectively managing pest infestations are essential for the success of any restaurant. By implementing a robust cleaning routine, adhering to food safety measures, establishing preventive measures, working with professionals, and educating your staff, you can create a safe and hygienic environment for both your employees and customers. Remember, regular inspections and proactive maintenance are key to staying ahead of potential issues. By prioritizing hygiene and pest control, you can ensure the long-term success and reputation of your restaurant.
Contact us at technical.marketing@ctechcorporation.com if you’re facing problems with pests and get the best remedies to combat this menace.