Tips for Safe Food Storage in Your Restaurant

Summary

In this informative video by Kitchen Monkeys, Lauren shares key food safety and storage tips for commercial kitchens. She emphasizes the importance of following the 'First In, First Out' (FIFO) rule to protect food quality, storing meat at the lowest level to avoid contamination, and using airtight containers to extend shelf life. Other crucial tips include keeping food off the floor, maintaining proper refrigerator temperatures, avoiding overloading units, ensuring cleanliness, and keeping food storage organized. Finally, Lauren reminds kitchen staff to dispose of doubtful items to prevent foodborne illnesses, ultimately ensuring the safety of both staff and customers.

Takeaways

• 😀 FIFO (First In, First Out) rule ensures food quality and safety by using older stock before new stock.
• 😀 Label food with the date of receipt and use-by date to maintain food safety and traceability.
• 😀 Store meat at the lowest possible level to avoid contamination from meat juices.
• 😀 Use airtight containers to prevent food spoilage and protect against bacteria and infestations.
• 😀 Food should be stored at least 6 inches off the floor to prevent contamination from dust and water.
• 😀 Refrigerators must be properly monitored with thermometers to maintain safe temperatures and avoid the danger zone.
• 😀 Avoid overloading refrigerators to prevent malfunctioning and ensure even temperature distribution.
• 😀 Keep floors and shelves clean and organized to prevent bacteria buildup and reduce food waste.
• 😀 Properly label food items to make organization easier and prevent confusion.
• 😀 When in doubt about the safety of food, always throw it out to avoid food poisoning risk.

Q & A

What is the First In, First Out (FIFO) rule in food storage?

The FIFO rule ensures that older food is used first by placing new food behind the older items. This helps maintain both food quality and safety.

Why should meat be stored at the bottom of the refrigerator?

Meat should be stored at the bottom to prevent its juices from contaminating other foods. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination and ensures safer storage.

How does storing food in an airtight container benefit food safety?

Storing food in airtight containers prevents exposure to air, which slows down spoilage. This also helps in reducing the risk of bacterial growth and infestations.

What is the minimum height food should be stored above the floor?

Food should be stored at least 6 inches above the floor, though some local health codes recommend 12 inches, to avoid contamination from dust and water.

Why is it important to monitor the temperature in refrigerators?

Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for food safety. A thermometer in the fridge allows staff to ensure the temperature is within a safe range to prevent foodborne illnesses.

What happens if you overload your refrigerator?

Overloading a refrigerator forces it to work harder to maintain the right temperature, which can cause malfunctions and uneven cooling, leading to potential food safety issues.

How can you maintain cleanliness and organization in a commercial kitchen?

Regularly clean up food spills and dirt, and ensure shelves and floors are organized. Properly labeled food items also help reduce waste and improve kitchen hygiene.

What does the FDA Food Code say about storing food above the floor?

The 2009 FDA Food Code specifies that food should be stored at least 6 inches above the floor to minimize the risk of contamination from dust, dirt, or water.

What should you do if you're unsure about the safety of a food item?

If in doubt about the safety of a food item, it’s always best to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness or food poisoning.

How can commercial kitchen equipment contribute to food safety?

Using the right commercial kitchen equipment, such as refrigerators with thermometers, airtight containers, and proper storage bins, helps maintain food safety by preventing contamination and spoilage.