As a restaurant owner or manager, your business depends on passing health inspections. These have a surprising number of requirements—and not just about the ways you prepare and serve food. Here are some areas of commercial cleaning which trip up many establishments, as well as how you and your cleaning company can avoid a violation.

Health Code Infractions to Watch For

1. Chemicals

The cleaning chemicals you use need to be stored in clearly labeled containers away from food. Have clear sanitization procedures for each area, including food storage, food prep, serving stations, and tables. Also, be careful what chemicals are used; some combinations, such as ammonia- and bleach-based products, have dangerous reactions. It's usually better to choose one type or the other for your establishment.

2. Food Storage

The most common food storage problem is different foods coming in contact with each other—particularly raw meat contaminating other foods. To prevent this, store everything in sealed containers which don't drip and are cleaned regularly, and have separate areas for prepared dishes, raw meat, and other ingredients.

3. Nonfood Surfaces

Remember that surfaces that hold food aren't the only areas of concern. Floors, shelves, and the outsides and undersides of dishes and containers are all part of a health inspection. In addition to having staff clean and sanitize these surfaces during business hours, it might make sense to have a cleaning company visit after hours to do a more thorough cleaning. This way, the cleaning service will catch anything your crew was too busy to take care of.

If you need a cleaning company to maintain your restaurant or other business, choose Custom Maid Janitorial Service in Cincinnati, OH. Since their founding over 40 years ago, this Hamilton County cleaning company has expanded to employ more than 50 professional cleaners whose keen attention to detail ensures your building will pass every inspection. To arrange prompt and affordable cleaning, call (513) 351-6571 or send a message online.