Maintaining a healthy commercial kitchen requires a great deal of hard work, particularly regarding food safety practices. Pest control is one of the best ways to keep your kitchen safe, as infestations can contaminate food, scare off customers and ruin expensive stock.
According to a poll conducted in 2006, more than 60 per cent of restaurant diners would tell more than five friends or acquaintances about spotting a pest in a food establishment. While three out of ten respondents implied that a pest sighting would stop them from returning to the restaurant in the future.
Countering Pest Problems
Keeping your restaurant clear of reputation-damaging pests means paying special attention to the areas in your kitchen that need to be routinely cleaned and cared for. Understanding where pests prefer to lurk should help you to ensure that your cleaning routine stays effective. For example, be cautious when maintaining:
- Waste disposal areas
- Food storage areas
- Food preparation areas
- Outdoor areas
- Dining areas
Reduce the Risk of Pests
Here are some simple ways you can reduce the risk of pests invading your kitchen workspaces:
- Never store food stuff on the floor
- Make sure all holes and cracks are sealed
- Install fly-screens on windows and doors
- Make sure waste is regularly disposed of
- Employ a licensed pest controller to regularly check the premises for signs of an infestation
Remember that bacteria and pests can find their way into the cleanest of kitchens when employees neglect to pay special attention to hot-spot areas. Adopt easy-to-follow cleaning policies in keeping pests away from your restaurant, and make sure all staff members are familiar with your health and hygiene procedures.
