Personal Cleanliness Standards:
1. Frequent Handwashing: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds: before, during, and after food preparation; after handling raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs; after using the toilet; after touching garbage; after coughing or sneezing; and after touching your face. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available.
2. Clean Attire: Wear clean clothes, aprons, and hair restraints (hair nets or hats) when cooking or preparing food. Avoid wearing jewelry that could fall into food.
3. Personal Hygiene: Bathe or shower regularly. Keep fingernails short, clean, and unpolished. Avoid touching your hair, face, or other body parts while preparing food.
4. Health Awareness: If you are sick, especially with vomiting, diarrhea, or a contagious infection, avoid preparing food for others until you are symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
Kitchen Cleanliness Standards:
5. Clean Surfaces and Equipment: Sanitize all countertops, cutting boards, utensils, and equipment with hot, soapy water and a sanitizing solution (e.g., diluted bleach solution) before and after each use. Clean and sanitize sinks regularly.
6. Proper Dishwashing: Wash, rinse, and sanitize all dishes, utensils, and cookware properly. Use a dishwasher if available, following the manufacturer's instructions. Air dry dishes whenever possible.
7. Safe Food Storage: Store food at proper temperatures to prevent bacterial growth. Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from cooked foods and ready-to-eat items. Use airtight containers to store food in the refrigerator and pantry. Practice FIFO (First In, First Out) to use older items before newer ones.
8. Waste Disposal: Dispose of garbage and food waste properly in covered containers. Clean and sanitize garbage cans regularly. Take out the trash frequently to prevent odors and pest infestations.
These standards, when consistently applied, are essential for minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses and maintaining a healthy and hygienic environment for food preparation.