How Poor Waste Management Can Cause Food Safety Hazards
When you are running a business where food preparation is involved, such as a restaurant, cafe, bar or catering company, there are so many food hygiene rules and waste regulations that it can be hard to know whether you are doing the right thing and complying with the law.
It’s really important, however, that you do stay vigilant and ensure your waste is disposed of correctly – if not, you could be causing food safety hazards that risk the health of your customers and, subsequently, your reputation. In this article, we will discuss how and why you need to make sure your waste should be disposed of properly.
Food preparation regulations
When it comes to food production, you may not immediately be thinking as far ahead as how you are going to dispose of waste from the food you are preparing. However, in order for your kitchen health and safety practices to operate at their most effective, it is important to think in advance about how you are going to deal with food waste while preparing it.
Make sure that bins are placed in convenient locations. Indoor bins should be as close as possible to where waste is produced, for example preparation benches, plate return areas, cooking stations and bars. Lidded bins are advised in order to keep out pests, but this may be inconvenient considering that bins are in constant use and opening and closing lids takes extra time – not to mention the fact that bin lids can be breeding grounds for germs. Therefore, you may wish you have a pedal-operated bin, or simply an unlidded bin that you make sure to empty regularly.
How to dispose of food safely
Food waste should be put into strong, sealable containers (bins) which are kept in good condition and are easy to disinfect.
A good kitchen waste management system will help you seamlessly dispose of any food waste in an efficient, hygienic way. During the preparation of food, scraps can be placed into existing containers such as bowls or buckets before being emptied into a larger standing food waste bin. The waste from the indoor bin can then be transferred to the outdoor bin store where your waste is collected, either in wheelie bins, bags or caddies depending on your waste collection provider.
Make sure no waste attracts pests or touches food preparation areas, as this may result in food being contaminated and causing illness in those who eat it. Also, check with your waste collection provider whether or not your waste should be in bin liners or not.
How to dispose of cooking oil
For food and catering businesses, disposing of cooking oil is more long-winded than you may first think. You must ensure that it is stored correctly and is taken away by an authorised collector.
Cooking oil can be the cause of many environmental and hygiene issues, so it’s important that it isn’t simply washed down drains or sewers. This can result in prosecution, as it causes blockages, bad smells, vermin problems and polluted watercourses (which can affect wildlife). Equally, cooking oil must not be disposed of along with other kitchen waste as it can spill, causing bad smells and pollution, and waste contractors may refuse to remove it. Recycling centres or Civic Amenity sites will not accept cooking oil for disposal in engine oil banks – this means the entire contents of the skip will be unsuitable for recycling.
The bottom line
Food waste that is properly disposed of should not cause any food safety hazards. However, if it is not removed from food preparation areas as quickly as possible, it is likely to attract pests. Equally, spillages that aren’t cleared away can result in employees slipping up. Of course, the main issue with improperly stored waste is that general hygiene and cleanliness is compromised, which can affect your overall hygiene rating and company reputation, not to mention the health of your customers and employees.
Here at SCS Waste, we’re passionate about waste management and recycling. Our waste management services extend beyond skip hire, including fly tipping clearance, electrical waste disposal, and specialist recycling services. For waste management in Arundel, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis and surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
