5 Best Ways to Ensure Food Safety in Restaurants

When running a restaurant, especially with the tight margins and fast pace, it's easy to overlook simple things that can make a huge difference in food safety. From thawing vacuum-packed fish to making sure your employees understand the basics of food handling, it can sometimes feel like you're trying to convince people of common sense. Based on experiences shared in the industry, here are 5 practical ways to improve food safety that will resonate with your kitchen staff and keep your customers safe.

1. Thaw Vacuum-Packed Fish Correctly

It’s surprising how often people dismiss this step. Vacuum-packed fish can harbor dangerous bacteria, like botulism, if thawed incorrectly. The simple trick is to open the vacuum-sealed package before thawing the fish in the fridge. Let your staff know this is non-negotiable; botulism is no joke. If they’re unsure, just get them to Google it. Sometimes seeing is believing!

2. Teach the Basics Repeatedly

It’s not just new hires that need to learn – even veterans can forget the basics. Take the case of frozen bacon. One employee thought it was okay to serve frozen bacon with a dish! Teaching food handling isn’t something you do once. Make it a regular part of the job—remind, quiz, and check until it becomes second nature.

3. Set an Example – Even If You Don’t Get Immediate Buy-In

Sometimes it feels like pulling teeth to get everyone on board with a process, especially if they’ve been doing things their way for years. If you’re sure about something like keeping refrigerator temps low or thawing proteins overnight, just start doing it yourself. Eventually, others will follow suit, even if they’re slow to catch on. Remember that someone has to lead by example!

4. Make Safety a Daily Habit

There are procedures that may seem insignificant at first but can have big implications. Whether it’s cooling food before sealing it, thawing meats in the cooler, or simply cutting bags open before thawing, consistency is key. Once it becomes routine, it’s easier for everyone to remember and take seriously.

5. Encourage Staff to Ask Questions and Double Check

Sometimes the most dangerous thing is not what your staff knows but what they assume. Encourage an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions, like whether they should thaw vacuum-packed meat out of the package (yes, they should!). This helps everyone learn and prevents small mistakes from turning into big issues. And if a staff member is unsure, just tell them to double-check or look it up—it’s better to be safe than sorry.

In the fast-paced world of restaurants, safety can get overlooked, but following these simple steps can make a big difference in keeping your food safe and your customers happy. Make sure your kitchen follows these practices every day!