Food Safety: Setting the Standard

One of the most important things a manager can do to ensure safe food is to set the standard. If it is not important enough for the manager to do it, it will not be important enough for the employees to do it.

If the manager takes the time to wash his/her hands every time he/she enters the kitchen, it sends a very strong message to the employees that they are to do this as well. Plus, it is a great way to determine if there is actually soap and disposable towels at the hand wash sink!

Although the manager’s “uniform” may differ from the employees, it is still important that it be clean and neat. The manager’s hair needs to be restrained whenever he/she is in the kitchen. Even if not working with food, the message sent is that restraining hair is important.

Not only does setting the standard, or “walking the talk,” help ensure food safety, it also helps in developing a good relationship with employees.