Are you using food safe cleaning chemicals and sanitisers in your kitchen area?

There are so many things to consider when it comes to meeting the guidelines for food safety areas, in terms of commercial cleaning chemicals and food safety. In Australia the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) standards apply to any business or institution that may provide meals. This includes catering and food service businesses, schools, childcare centres, hospitals and even food given away at events and as prizes.

FSANZ standards apply directly to food products, rather than the commercial cleaning chemicals and sanitisers that are used on surfaces and equipment. While these standards are enforced by the state in which the activity takes place and can vary, there are several key standards that relate to commercial cleaning chemicals and sanitisers.

Firstly, your business needs to maintain food contact surfaces and equipment to ensure clean and sanitary food preparation conditions. It is vital to ensure that the cleaning chemicals being used are not capable of obstructing any alimentary or respiratory passage, and are not likely to cause harm or injury to any consumer of foods.

Look for commercial cleaning chemicals that mention “food safe” and have clear instructions, even color or number coded as well. One of the safest options, is ready-to-use chemicals, with a  mention of being made for “food contact areas”

Here are our top 3 staff picks for food safe products!

RTU Sanitiser

– A no-rinse sanitiser for use on hard surfaces and food contact surfaces
– Recommended for: Food contact surfaces, handles, light switches, touchpoint areas, kitchen benchtops, counters, receptions, waiting and lunch areas
– An eco-friendly product with recyclable packaging, and a biodegradable formula that is both garden and septic safe
– Code: 161216

Cleanshot Stainless Steel Cleaner

– Formulated to clean, protect and enhance stainless steel surfaces
– Helps resist finger marks and provide protection
– Great for cook tops, benches, sinks, plastic laminates, wall tiles and leather
– Designed for use within food establishments that are covered by the requirements of FSANZ Standard 3.2.2 Food Safety Practices and General Requirements
– Code: 166182

Peerless Jal Clean Surface Sanitiser & Cleaner

– Reduces bacteria in food preparation, storage and eating areas
– When diluted can be used as a non-rinse sanitiser on pre-cleaned food contact surfaces
– Also great on benches, table tops and all surfaces that are determined HACCP areas
– Great for food cupboards, refrigerators, tables, chairs and waste disposals
– Also an effective deodoriser
– Kills bacteria and odour in rubbish disposal bins
– Code: 1031460

To comply with The Food Safety Act 1984 all food areas, whether a permanent premises or food van, are required to prepare a food safety program as a condition of regulation. This helps to ensure that all appliances and utensils used within food preparation are kept clean and sanitary at all times.

One key element to address within a food safety plan is Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points, otherwise known as HACCP. Along with determining cleaning methods and cleaning frequency for each HACCP.