Reassuring Dine-in Customers with Clean Glassware and Dishware

 

Three Ways to keep Glassware and Dishware Clean and Sanitary

Sparkling glasses and dishes have always been a trusty indicator of a clean and well-run dining establishment. At a time when we need to re-instill customer comfort in dining out, it’s a good idea to revisit ware washing, storage, and handling practices to make sure that all the safety bases are covered and communicated.

 

1.     Turn up the Water Temperature

Long before COVID-19, the National Sanitation Foundation was formed at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health in 1944. With a goal of creating national sanitation standards for the purpose of testing products that affect the safety of water, food, and air, NSF has been protecting public health and influencing product development ever since. These standards are especially trustworthy guidance now when we can’t be careful enough about sanitation. In order to qualify for NSF listing, the NSF/ANSI 3-2007 standard requires a dish machine to achieve a minimum 99.999% reduction of bacteria and reach a final rinse temperature of 165°F for stationary rack dishwashers and 180º F for all other commercial style dishwashers.

A prime example of an NSF compliant dish machine is the Champion DH6000 High Temperature Hood-type Dishwashing Machine which features a built-in booster configured to ensure 180°F rinse. Dual NSF-listed as a dishwasher and pot washer, it has an easy-to-clean and user-friendly touchscreen and starts automatically when the hood is closed. To help make guests feel more comfortable with the reassurance of sanitary glassware and dishware, Champion has even developed “Champion Protected” door signage for restaurateurs and other foodservice operators to post. Have a Champion dish machine and need a sign? Please let us know, and we'll get you set up. 

If you already have a functioning dishwasher but need a boost to get the final rinse water temperature up to 180°F, Hatco Water Heater Boosters will get you there. This increased rinse temperature not only sanitizes, but also effectively removes food residue and provides rapid self-drying for sparkling clean and sanitary dishware and flatware.

2.     Look for Glass Racks with Built-in Safety Features

Glass racks are an often-overlooked opportunity to improve employee and customer safety. Most glass racks have open outer walls, which appears helpful at first glance, but considering that water comes from the top and bottom of the rack in the dish machine, the open sides serve no purpose. With open-walled racks, unprotected glassware—and those who handle it—are very vulnerable in between washing and use. Camracks by Cambro are a rare breed of glass rack since they feature open compartments and closed side walls. 

This combination allows water to circulate within the rack, but when stacked on a dolly with a solid cover placed on top, they transform into a mobile and sanitary storage closet that protects glassware from outside contaminants such as airborne virus and bacteria particles, dust, insects, and mop water. Thanks to the enclosed system, glasses remain protected wherever they are stored, and customers who may see them front-of-house are reassured that they are protected from airborne pathogens.

 

3.     Create a Contactless Air-drying Station

A practice known as “wet stacking” has long been frowned upon by health inspectors for a variety of reasons. Not only does it provide the perfect environment for bacterial growth, but it also increases the need for handling and manual drying. The Camshelving Vertical Drying Rack is designed for space-saving drying of flat objects such as bun pans, trays, cutting boards, and lids while keeping them separated for maximum airflow. 

The Angled Drying Rack also utilizes vertical space to keep food pan and storage container lids accessible, organized, and easy to find. Air flows freely around pots, pans, and other wares, promoting quick and sanitary drying.

Ready to give your ware washing and handling systems a safety tune-up? Contact us for a custom solution.