4 Steps to Effective Cleaning in the Post-Coronavirus Food Service Industry

The global pandemic COVID-19 outbreak has proven the importance of cleaning and disinfection, bumping it up to the top priorities in residential settings and businesses. In a post-coronavirus world, there is a greater appreciation for implementing strict cleaning management practices in every part of the globe. 

The food industry, for instance, is one of the most vulnerable businesses amidst the outbreak. Sanitation has always been a prime concern in food services, but applying effective methods is crucial than ever to mitigate the risk of spreading diseases like the coronavirus. 

With that in mind, here’s what to expect in foodservice cleaning and disinfection in the age of COVID-19:

The Steps it Takes to Achieve an Effective Cleanliness in the Food Service Industry

Effective cleaning and disinfection are critical to maintaining a germ-free, safe environment, especially in high-traffic areas like food service establishments. There are four aspects of cleaning and sanitation to consider: 

Step #1: Stopping the Spread at its Source 

All employees are expected to practice strict sanitation by consistently washing their hands, especially when handling food. This is a critical step as no matter how clean the environment is, and it’s easy to carry bacteria and contaminate your surroundings when you’re not careful. 

Step #2: Prepping Surfaces for Cleaning 

The next step to preparing for disinfection is to wipe away all the soils, grime, residues, and other loose food particles from all surfaces. Keep in mind that this does not kill any pathogens, but contributes to the sanitation process by disrupting a dirty environment in which bacteria can thrive. 

Step #3: Reducing the Number of Bacteria and Pathogens 

After clearing all surfaces, you can minimize the number of germs living from these food contact surfaces. Using the right cleaning products helps you ensure you are eliminating the bacteria to meet the safe level set for industry standards.

Step #4: Killing the Remaining Bacteria and Pathogens 

After reducing the number of germs on surfaces, it’s time to finish it off by killing pathogens to minimize the risk of spreading diseases or infection. This doesn’t necessarily clean your surroundings but rather works in conjunction with your cleaning and sanitizing process. 

The Bottom Line: The Importance of Cleaning, Sanitation, and Disinfection in the Food Service Industry

Now that you know the steps it takes to achieve a well-sanitized establishment, commercial buildings like restaurants and other food service businesses are expected to apply them at all available touchpoints—entrances, exits, and even bathrooms. 

Hgh touchpoints like counters, door handles, rails, and more must be sanitized and wiped down regularly. The back of the house—kitchens, break rooms, and any office space—must also comply with strict cleaning procedures such as handwashing and disinfecting touch surfaces like food-contact counters. 

It’s no surprise that restrooms are required to be spick-and-span from floor-to-ceiling, but major touchpoints like toilet bowls, flush handles, dispensers, and counters should be disinfected. Doors, floors, and seatings can be cleaned and sanitized unless they have stains. 

Hiring a professional can help you ensure your F&B business is always kept cleaned and sanitized with the right equipment, experience, and expertise. If you’re looking for office cleaning services in Medicine Hat to do the dirty work for you, we can ensure your business stays germ-free to make it a safe environment amidst the coronavirus outbreak!