safe eating tips
Here are some tips to help you pick a restaurant that keeps its food safe
tip 1: Check for certifications
Look for certifications like “ServSafe” or “Food Safety Certified” that indicate the restaurant has undergone food safety training and follows best practices. If you see a HACCP certificate posted, you know this restaurant has gone the extra mile to ensure they have top tier food safety practices.
tip 2: Observe kitchen hygiene
When you walk into a restaurant, take a look around the kitchen through the door or window. A quick tour on the way to find the restroom is a good way to have a quick peep into the kitchen. Is it clean and well-maintained? Do the staff members look like they’re taking food safety seriously (e.g. wearing gloves, hairnets, and aprons)?
tip 3: Ask about food sourcing
A restaurant that takes food safety seriously is likely to source its ingredients from reputable suppliers and to be transparent about where the food comes from. For example, if a burger joint asks how you’d like your burger cooked, I’d follow up with: what cuts are used in the ground? If they do not know, I’d ask for my burger to be cooked well done.
tip 4: Check the temperature
Food should be stored and cooked at the proper temperatures to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Ask the restaurant staff about their temperature control procedures. Are they using Temperature Control Safety or Time as a Public Health Control?
tip 5: Look for hand washing stations
Make sure the restaurant has visible hand washing stations for employees, and observe whether staff are using them regularly. Most restaurants that have a bar would also have a handwashing sink within their area. That sink should be used for handwashing only, so if you see towels, cups, or anything else other than single use hand towels and soap, it’s a huge sign of poor food safety training.
tip 6: Read online reviews
Check online reviews and see if anyone has mentioned food poisoning or other food safety issues at the restaurant.
tip 7: Ask questions
Don’t be afraid to ask the staff or management about their food safety procedures. A restaurant that is proud of its food safety practices will be happy to answer your questions!
Enjoy Safe and Delicious Dining Experiences in Texas: A Guide to Restaurant Health Inspections
Curious about what Texas health inspectors evaluate during restaurant inspections? Our guide covers the seven critical factors, such as food storage, sanitation, and employee hygiene, they assess. Understanding what inspectors look for allows you to make informed decisions about where to dine out, ensuring a safe and healthy experience. Read our guide to learn how to enjoy worry-free dining experiences in Texas. Click now to access the guide.
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See the Risky Bites list of the top 10 worst restaurants to avoid at all costs.
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REstaurant spotlight
Ensuring food safety in the service industry is critical. Poor practices can cause foodborne illnesses, spreading harmful bacteria and viruses. These can harm a business’s reputation, result in legal consequences, and financial losses. Prioritizing food safety protects customer health and satisfaction, maintains the business’s reputation, and regulatory compliance. In sum, the service industry must prioritize food safety to avoid these risks.
Failed: Louisiana Crab Shack | Seafood Restaurant in round rock, TX