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Safety and hygiene should be a top priority for any kitchen, but especially so when it comes to commercial settings. From busy restaurants to hotel kitchens, following safety kitchen rules is necessary for both safeguarding customers, and maintaining compliance.

Kitchen safety signs are one of the most effective ways to encourage this; they can range from allergen warnings and handling instructions to preparation procedures, and even bans (‘No smoking, food preparation area’).

In this article, we discuss how to label food in a commercial kitchen through a brief overview of kitchen safety signs and their meaning. 

 

Why Are Safety Kitchen Rules Important?

Staff and customer safety are the top considerations when it comes to implementing safety kitchen rules. For instance, in commercial kitchen environments where cross-contamination is likely, having clear allergen information and preparation area labels can, quite literally, save lives.

Kitchen safety signs contribute to the safety of staff as well. Whether it’s safe use of knives, dangerous machine warnings, or instructions for cleaning up spillages, clear signage helps avoid accidents, injuries, and even fines from regulatory bodies.

 

Types of Kitchen Safety Signs and Their Meanings

New and experienced commercial kitchen staff alike should be able to recognise kitchen safety signs and their meanings. These are all designed to efficiently communicate essential actions – whether they’re mandatory (blue signs), relating to safe conditions (green), or prohibitive (red).

Some of the kitchen safety signs commonly displayed near entry points, food prep areas, and cleaning stations include:

Allergen management – There are various signs you can display to help with managing allergens, including a food classification safety sign, a prevent cross-contamination safety sign, and even a ‘dip your feet’ sign to keep staff from tracking contaminants with their footwear.

Safe handlining instructions – Speaking of appropriate commercial kitchen attire, protective clothing and hairnet symbols are a key element of hygienic food production, especially in large-scale kitchens.

Hand washing reminders, designated raw and cooked food preparation zones, and detailed temperature control indicators also help prevent the spread of bacteria, cross-contamination, and risks associated with improper storage.

Warnings – You can bring attention to particularly important parts of critical safety and hygiene procedures with warning kitchen safety signs. These can range from ‘no smoking’ to ‘clean up all spillages immediately’, and even detailed cautions such as ‘keep wet utensils away from hot oil’.

This way, you’re encouraging staff to keep their workspace tidy, while simultaneously reducing the risk of both accidents and contamination.

 

How to Label Food in a Commercial Kitchen: Best Practices

You can streamline your operations and improve safety by ensuring all employees know how to label food in a commercial kitchen properly. Some best practice tips include:

  • Using standardised kitchen safety signs with easily recognisable symbols and colour coding for various food groups and hazards.
  • Investing in high-quality labels which are durable, waterproof, and can withstand varied commercial kitchen environments, including extreme moisture, heat, and cold.
  • Regularly reviewing safe handling instructions and labels to confirm they’re up-to-date and in good condition.
  • Providing continued training on safety rules so staff understand kitchen safety signs and their meanings.

 

Enforcing Safety Kitchen Rules, with Label Source

Kitchen safety signs serve as a visual reminder to take measures in preventing contamination and ensuring the smooth running of a commercial kitchen. They help you make sure staff are adhering to best practice, thus promoting both hygiene and efficiency.

By clearly displaying the right commercial kitchen signs, you’re complying with regulations, while also looking after your staff and customers.

Need assistance selecting the right safety signs for your commercial kitchen? Get in touch, and our team will be happy to advise.