Running a restaurant means being ready at any moment for a health inspector to come by. While many fear this day, it’s something that’s required to keep your processes and procedures as safe as possible. The last thing you want is for your patrons or your reputation to suffer, which is why we’ve compiled this simple checklist for you to prepare to host your first health inspection.
Compare forms.
You can easily access the forms that your health inspector will use to evaluate your restaurant. Download them and put yourself in the inspector’s shoes. Walk through your restaurant while scanning the documents to see where you might be docked on your official report and work to remedy them immediately. Notify your staff in advance of the date of the inspection so they can come prepared.
Communicate issues clearly.
If your staff includes employees for whom English is a second language, have the findings translated so everyone understands how important food safety is to the success of your restaurant. Consider hiring a professional translator. A bilingual staff member might use terms or phrases that might not make sense or could be misinterpreted in other dialects, states the National Restaurant Association.
Be sure to clearly convey the issues that your restaurant faces to all staff members, including food runners, hosts/hostesses, and back of house employees. This is the time to stress the importance of food safety and proper cleaning practices.
Create a priority list.
Depending on the items you were docked for, you’ll need to create a list of priorities to address first, starting with:
- Safe food preparation
- Handling food and storing at proper temperatures to prevent the growth and spread of bacteria
- Proper personal hygiene
- The importance of hand washing
Provide adequate training.
The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, and new safety methods are being developed regularly. Be sure to provide consistent training for management on these practices so they stay up to date on modern ServSafe food-safety training programs.
Research local laws.
Local regulations might apply to your restaurant because of your specific location, so be sure to research your local requirements before your inspector returns.
Become more involved.
Get involved politically to give a restaurateur’s perspective. One opportunity could be to join your state’s health-code-revision committee. Involve senior staff on such committees as well.
Get insurance.
Protect your operation from the start with a customized Wright City Restaurant Insurance program.
About Sine Insurance
At Sine Insurance Group, we are dedicated to providing you with custom tailored insurance policies to protect your assets. Our comprehensive packages have been expertly crafted to serve St. Louis and the surrounding areas for the past 25 years. For more information about our products, contact us today at (636) 947-1177.