Good hygiene has always been important in food preparation environments to prevent foodborne illness but today there is more choice than ever! As pubs, restaurants, and cafes begin to re-open, Chris Wakefield, Managing Director UK & Ireland, GOJO Industries-Europe Ltd, discusses what commercial kitchens should look for when choosing hygiene products
A proactive approach to hygiene and safety has always been critical in food preparation environments where germs can easily be transmitted and the subsequent risk of illness is high. According to the World Health Organisation, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria are just three of the most common foodborne pathogens that affect millions of people annually.
It goes without saying that having a regular cleaning schedule and sufficient opportunities for handwashing are critical infection prevention measures, especially with the additional threat of COVID-19 in general circulation. The government has clear guidelines in this respect.[1] The difficulty is choosing the right cleaning and hygiene products for the job. There has never been more choice available. The pandemic created a surge in demand, which in turn, saw a flurry of new products entering market. Not all are fit for purpose, match their claims in terms of efficacy, or are suitable for commercial kitchens. This makes product selection problematic for customers.
Does it actually work?
Sanitising solutions must be effective against germs and bacteria. Most are antibacterial, but not all have antiviral properties. Rather than relying on the EN norm for enveloped viruses, which assume efficacy against Coronavirus, the PURELL® Advanced Hand Hygienic Hand Rub and PURELL Surface Sanitising Spray and Wipes were recently specifically tested against, and proven to kill the virus.[i]
Bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal, PURELL Surface Sanitising Spray and Wipes are also effective against Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria, and yeast, and are suitable for a variety of surfaces, from worktops and sinks, to food storage containers and kitchen utensils.
Does it act fast?
To be effective in food contact areas, surface sanitising sprays and wipes need to be ready-to-use, have high antimicrobial efficacy, and importantly, act fast and dry quickly. Many people do not spend very long washing or sanitising hands and surfaces and time can be limited to prepare the required orders, so selecting products that reach their stated efficacy levels quickly is vital. This is where surface sanitising sprays and wipes come to the fore. These products can therefore easily be incorporated into daily activities – alongside thorough hand hygiene and cleaning routines – thanks to the speed, effectiveness and ease of use they provide.
Look for contact times alongside key EN norms. PURELL Surface Sanitising Spray and Wipes, PURELL Advanced Hygienic Hand Rub, have all been proven to kill Coronavirus within a contact time of just 30 seconds, helping businesses to keep their kitchens clean and COVID-secure.
Is it suitable for commercial kitchens?
As well as being effective against germs and bacteria, it is also important to choose formulations that have been tested and passed in accordance with international food taint testing standard EN4120:2007. This provides assurance that they are safe for use in food handling.
In the current climate, it’s never been more important to choose a trusted supplier for cleaning and hygiene solutions. In doing so, customers can have confidence that the products they purchase are safe, effective, and fit for their purpose.
For more information, call +44(0)1908 588444, email [email protected] or visit www.GOJO.com.
[i] Tested against Coronavirus BCoV (surrogate virus) in 30 seconds, according to EN 14476 standard.