5 Factors Affecting Health Inspection Scores and How to Improve Them
As a restaurant owner or manager, you understand the importance of maintaining high levels of cleanliness and food safety in your establishment. Health inspection scores play a vital role in determining the quality of your restaurant and can significantly impact your business’s reputation and overall success. In this article, we’ll discuss the top five factors affecting health inspection scores and provide tips on how to improve them.
1. Proper Food Handling and Storage
One of the most critical factors impacting health inspection scores is food handling. This includes everything from how food is prepared to how it is stored. For instance, food must be cooked to the appropriate temperature, and refrigerated at the correct temperature to avoid bacteria growth. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that any equipment used for food storage or preparation is cleaned and sanitized regularly.
To improve food handling standards, consider implementing a training program for your staff. This program can cover food safety guidelines, proper cooking techniques, and correct storage and handling procedures.
2. Cleanliness and Sanitation
Another significant factor in health inspection scores is the cleanliness and sanitation of your establishment. A dirty restaurant is a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, which can lead to food poisoning and other illnesses.
To ensure cleanliness and sanitation, create a daily cleaning schedule for your staff to follow. Train them on how to properly use cleaning products and techniques to sanitize surfaces and equipment. Make sure that all areas of your restaurant, including the kitchen, dining area, restrooms, and front-of-house, are cleaned regularly and kept in good repair.
3. Pest Control
Pests can wreak havoc on the cleanliness and safety of your restaurant. They can carry diseases and contaminate food, which can result in a failed health inspection. Therefore, pest control measures are vital for maintaining a high health inspection score.
To prevent pests from infiltrating your establishment, ensure that the building is sealed and that all entry points are properly sealed. Additionally, consider hiring a professional pest control company to inspect your premises regularly and ensure that pests are kept under control.
4. Employee Hygiene
Your employees’ hygiene habits can impact your health inspection score significantly. For example, employees who do not practice proper handwashing techniques or who come to work sick can increase the risk of food contamination.
To promote employee hygiene, provide handwashing training and encourage employees to stay home if they are sick. Additionally, it’s essential to provide adequate handwashing facilities and ensure that all employees follow proper hygiene protocols.
5. Proper Food Labeling
Finally, proper food labeling is essential for maintaining high inspection scores. This includes clear labeling of food allergens and expiration dates, as well as ensuring that all food is labeled and stored correctly.
To improve food labeling standards, create a labeling system for your staff to follow and provide training on proper labeling techniques. Additionally, make sure that all staff members are aware of the importance of proper food labeling and the consequences of failing to adhere to labeling guidelines.
Conclusion
Health inspection scores are critical to the success of any restaurant. By focusing on proper food handling and storage, cleanliness and sanitation, pest control, employee hygiene, and proper food labeling, you can significantly improve your inspection scores and maintain a safe, healthy establishment. By following these tips, you can ensure that your customers are satisfied, and your restaurant’s reputation remains intact.
