Sanitization in Restaurants
Ensuring food safety is one of the most important responsibilities of any restaurant owner or operator. One of the most crucial practices that all food service operations must adhere to is implementing proper sanitizing procedures using an approved sanitizer. The purpose of sanitizers used by restaurants is to eliminate bacteria and germs from surfaces that come into contact with food. This is important not only for the well-being of your employees, guests, and patrons but also for the reputation of your business.
Considering what is at stake, sanitization is a practice that should be taken seriously, and it does not go unnoticed by restaurant guests and patrons.
Now more than ever, customers have high expectations of cleanliness.
A recent survey found that the importance of restaurant cleanliness is emphasized, regardless of how and where Americans enjoy meals. According to the study, the vast majority of Americans express how important it is for them to see a visible clean whether dining indoors (93%), outdoors (92%), or when ordering takeout (92%). The survey also concluded that transparency also remains a top priority, with 70% of Americans yearning for restaurants to be more open about the cleaning products they use.
Many different methods and products are available for sanitizing restaurants, but not all are created equal. This blog post will cover chemical sanitizers and why they are vital to keeping your restaurant clean and healthy.
How Do Chemical Sanitizers Work?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sanitizers are chemicals that are used to reduce levels of microorganisms in a particular environment, such as a restaurant kitchen, to levels considered safe according to public health laws as established by local authorities.
However, even with an approved sanitizer, restaurant workers must still follow some basic guidelines for using it effectively. First, always follow the dilution instructions on the product label. Over- or under-diluting a sanitizer can make it less effective. Second, make sure that surfaces are pre-cleaned before applying the sanitizer solution. Third, allow the surfaces to air dry completely after applying the solution. And fourth, always use fresh, clean towels or rags when applying the solution to avoid cross-contamination.
When used correctly, chemical sanitizers can effectively reduce the spread of harmful microorganisms. As you’re deciding which sanitizer to use for your establishment, choosing a chemical sanitizer that is suitable for your needs is essential. For example, chlorine bleach is an effective broad-spectrum sanitizer that’s also highly corrosive and can damage equipment. Plus, bleach has a distinctive, powerful, and unpleasant odor.
Vital Oxide is a versatile multi-purpose solution that can be used full-strength or diluted for multiple applications. Designated by NSF International, NSF listed #141392 as a no rinse on food contact surface (D-2) sanitizer, Vital Oxide kills 99.999% of bacteria, including E. Coli and Salmonella on hard surfaces in 60 seconds. Vital Oxide is bleach-free, phosphate-free and non-corrosive on most surfaces. It’s also fragrance free.
Why Are Chemical Sanitizers Important?
Chemical sanitizers play a vital role in keeping restaurants clean and safe. By killing bacteria and other microorganisms on surfaces, they help prevent disease spread. In addition, chemical sanitizers can help to remove dirt, grease, and food residue from surfaces. This is important because these substances can provide a food source for bacteria, leading to an increased risk of foodborne illness. Additionally, a clean restaurant looks more appealing to customers and instills confidence that you take food safety seriously. This can go a long way in building and maintaining a good reputation for your business.
Chemical sanitizers are vital in keeping restaurants clean and safe from harmful germs. Most sanitizers on the market are highly corrosive and have harsh fumes. As you decide on a sanitizer for your establishment, carefully consider what chemicals you want to use around your staff and customers.
Vital Oxide is a best-in-class multi-use product that can also be used to clean and disinfect surfaces, making it an excellent choice for restaurant owners who want to ensure their surfaces are clean and healthy.
Want to learn about using Vital Oxide in your food production facility, restaurant, commercial kitchen, or home kitchen? Interested in a white-label program? We’d love to chat. Contact us today.
