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Restaurants in the Pressure Cooker

As the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane draws closer, the anticipation for the event grows. But there are also a lot of fears bubbling up – especially for hospitality business owners.

Every time a major event like this occurs, the eyes of the world are on this one city. It’s a great opportunity for good publicity, but that means there is also a bigger risk for bad publicity.

So, before a headline blasts “Beloved Brisbane Restaurant Poisons Entire French Athletics Team,” it’s time for businesses to get on top of their food safety and compliance. After all, five stars on your Eat Safe Brisbane certificate will give customers peace of mind.

Read on for standards hospitality businesses should comply with.

Food Storage and Preparation

Achieving a five-star rating means that your business is fully compliant with the Food Act 2006 and Food Safety Standards. A huge part of this is proper food storage.

Some examples of suitable storage include:

- clean, dry and pest-free storage areas

- food-safe and undamaged containers and packaging

- clear use-by dates and food discarded on expiry

- cold storage temperatures checked with a thermometer

- raw and ready-to-eat food separated

Staffing

Staff need to be up to date on standards for food handling. That means that all employees handling food need to complete a food safety training course covering contamination, cleaning and hygiene. It is also important to comply with a food safety program and appoint a food safety supervisor. And of course, make sure that food safety management records and qualifications are documented.

Grease Trap Installation and Maintenance

The next few areas are a bit more on the expensive side, so make sure that you have trusted and experienced plumbing maintenance contractors carrying out the work. 

Grease traps collect grease and other waste from water to be collected. Restaurants, hotels, bakeries, bars and the like all need grease traps. There are a lot of things to consider for grease traps including minimum size requirements, flow rates, backflow prevention, food type and much more.

Liquid Commercial Waste Management

Along with grease, hospitality business owners also need proper liquid waste management for oil, septic waste, wet food, cleaning liquids and more. 

Proper commercial waste management ensures that blockages to your sewerage, stormwater system, drainage and surrounding environment is avoided. Failing to comply with these standards can lead to plumbing emergencies that will make running your business very difficult.

Hot Water Cleanliness

Hot water is vital for cleaning in a restaurant. However, it is not much help if the hot water itself is dirty or contaminated. If hot water has an odour or is cloudy, discoloured or filled with sediment, it’s time to flush, service or replace your hot water heater before it starts affecting food quality. Have a reliable commercial plumber on-hand that specialises in hot water so that problems are easily diagnosed and dealt with.

Public Toilet Regulations

While not directly related to food safety, the standard of your bathrooms is a great indicator to customers of the standard of your kitchen. Public toilet regulations depend on the type of premises you have. Generally, you should keep them clean, maintained and functional, especially if you have urinals.

This is quite the list, but better food safety maintenance means better food, safer work environments, satisfied customers and of course, a successful Brisbane Olympics.