In these unprecedented times, change is one thing we can count on, another is hygiene. While the hospitality industry has been hit hard, the knowledge and experience of running a food business places all ‘foodies’ in a good position for our ‘new normal’. Businesses dealing with food have always been acutely aware of cross-contamination and hand hygiene.
Food borne illnesses share similarities with COVID-19 as hand hygiene, cleanliness and attention to detail are their enemy.
Lessons learnt and practiced in a kitchen now come to the fore. Businesses offering take-away and take home meals are upping the ante. High-touch surfaces such as door handles, counters and EFTPOS machines require frequent cleaning and disinfecting and staff must wash and dry their hands even more regularly and thoroughly. With the recommendation of at least 20 seconds of lathering followed by rinsing and drying with a clean paper towel.
Some states are implementing compulsory hygiene training for all hospitality workers that will require completion before businesses are allowed to reopen, once restrictions are eased.
In successful food businesses, kitchens are kept clean and tidy but there are still areas that could be improved. It is not an uncommon sight to see a chef with a tea towel tucked into an apron or over a shoulder, yet this could be a potential source of bacteria, ultimately causing cross contamination.
Tea towels are often overused and unless properly laundered, can harbour bacteria. Some food safety experts recommend they be used once and then laundered. Wet tea towels should never be left to dry and reused as bacteria may multiply in a moist environment at room temperature.
One tea towel replacement alternative is Tork Heavy-Duty Cleaning Cloths. They are strong and absorbent, multi-purpose cloths that are the approximate size of a tea towel. These cloths are disposable so help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and improve hygiene in your kitchen. And they can still protect hands from heat and cold, as they withstand temperatures of up to 250°C when used correctly.
As Tork Heavy-Duty Cleaning Cloths are also food contact (FZP) certified by HACCP, you can trust they are safe in the food zone. HACCP International FZP certification means that cloths can be used to wipe down or even strain foods. So they are actually more versatile than a tea towel.
What’s more, with Tork Heavy-Duty Cleaning Cloths you spend less time laundering tea towels or organising and storing rental cloths, so you have more time for food preparation. And with the new additional load of thorough cleaning and sanitising, that’s time you’ll appreciate.
As we enter the next stage of our lives with COVID-19, Tork can help you secure new hygiene processes in your business. Hospitality workers will be leading the way in the hygiene stakes, from the kitchen and beyond.
