Sanitizing your company’s uniforms is always
important. However, when you work in the food production or preparation
industries, your uniforms need to be cleaned and maintained much more often
than the uniforms that protect and serve workers in other industries. Here is
how uniforms can help prevent food recalls.
The first step is to clean your uniforms more often. All laundering
techniques need to be done in accordance with the proper standards and
protocols. This is where you may have heard of the phrase Hazard Analysis and
Critical Control Points, or HACCP. Washing the uniforms depends on how filthy
are. Soil level, color, material type, special industry formulas, finishing
processes, and poly bag options are all factors you must take into account.
Coats, coveralls, clogs, jackets, boots, PPE, caps, hair nets, aprons, and
gloves all need to sanitized as well.
Encouraging better hygiene goes beyond
requiring your employees to wash their hands before and after using the
restroom. Food poisoning is the most common problem that can affect consumers
and handlers at the same time. Include in your
uniform policy the procedures to prevent
contamination and how to report contamination if it happens by accident. You’ll
also need to define how hot the water should be for washing hands, gloves, and
utensils; the soap that is used; where hand and eye washing stations can be
found; and when the employees should wash their hands - especially after having
a break for lunch or to go outside for a few minutes. If more training is
needed, then it could mean that it’s time to update your current policies,
especially if you want to avoid compliance issues as overseen and enforced by
the FDA and USDA.
If your company is not meeting the standards
that are expected, then it’s time to create a new policy. Getting your
employees and workers on board with this new plan will likely be more difficult
than any other procedure changes you’ve ever attempted before, including the
day when a uniform policy went into effect in the first place. Outsourcing your
uniform maintenance needs and working with a
uniform rental partner may be the solution you
need - just make sure you can keep in touch and avoid any communication problems
that could lead to disaster!
For
all your protective footwear needs, turn to the professionals at Chesapeake
Uniform. Chesapeake Uniform has been providing uniform rental services for over
30 years to Maryland, Delaware, D.C., southern Pennsylvania and northern
Virginia. We pride ourselves on being able to offer our customers the most
competitive prices thanks to our national affiliation with Apparel Masters.
Want to get started with our services? Do you have questions about our
services?
Contact us
today by calling
410-558-3360.