Re-Opening a Kitchen after Lockdown
Due to the shutdown many kitchens will have remained empty for several months and will required to be cleaned, sanitised and in some cases serviced by a qualified engineer.
We would recommend the following
1. Warewashing Equipment
There could be cross contamination from any bacteria build-up within the machine or any water that may remain in it.
Check the machine filters are clean.
Ensure there are sufficient chemicals such as Rinse Aid.
Fill and heat the machine.
Put the machine through a minimum of three complete wash and rinse cycles.
2. Refrigeration
Check door seals.
If they have been switched off the clean and sanitise.
Check temperatures before loading food products.
3. Ventilation Canopies
Check all filters and clean.
Clean the extract duct before use as grease build up on fans can overload them.
Open windows in kitchen to provide additional replacement air.
4. Cooking equipment
We recommend Gas appliances are checked by a Gas Safe registered catering equipment engineer.
For electrical appliances the cables should be checked to ensure there has been no damage from rodents before being reconnected. Appliances with heating elements should be run at a low temperature for an hour to dry out possible condensation.
Ranges and Oven door seal should be checked for damage and replaced if required.
Fryer pans should be clean and the drain valve fully closed before refilling with oil.
This advice was supplied by Prois
