Health Inspector’s Favorite EatsThe Top 10 Things Health Inspectors Look for When Choosing A Restaurant

1.Clean Restrooms“I always visit the restroom to wash my hands before eating. If there is no soap, hot water or paper towels in the restroom, that’s a deal breaker for me.”

2. Proper Food TemperaturesImproper temperatures are one of the leading causes of foodborne illnesses; they provide bacteria the ideal conditions for rapid growth, compromising food safety.

3. ServSafe or Official Food Safety Training Certification visible upon entry.“The first thing I look for is a Food Manager certificate from an FDA-approved training organization somewhere in the lobby area.”

4. Freshness of FoodWhat happens too often is foodservice operators are not rotating their food properly or not storing it in properly sealed containers.

5. Cleaning Products stored away from FoodIf food is stored near chemicals or cleaning supplies, contamination can occur and someone can become very ill.

6. FDA Approved Food Storage ContainersWhen using non-food grade plastics to store foods, highly acidic foods like tomatoes or fats may leech plastic additives from the packaging or container into the food.

7. Clean Restaurant, Floors and Walls (outside premises)“When it comes to eating in the same city I inspect, my decision is based on cleanliness. If the restaurant looks dirty, disorganized or smells unsanitary, I assume the kitchen is in a similar condition.”

8. Hand Washing StationsHealth inspectors want to see that employees are washing their hands after handling dirty dishes, utensils, money and before handling food and drinks.

9. Condiment Stations“ Certain condiments can’t be held at room temperature. For things like toppings, or condiment service in the summer heat, properly insulated condiment stations or insulated containers with lids should be used.”

10. Clean UtensilsClean utensils ranked as important as restaurant cleanliness. “I want to know that my dishes, glasses and silverware are clean. I am eating the food off of those plates and with that fork.”

For more information of food safety, visit www.cambro.com/storesafe

For more information on Cambro products and solutions for foodservice operators, visit www.cambro.com