Staying Protected in the Food Industry During This Pandemic

This is an unusual world that we are living in now. Much has changed in the span of the past two months and many of us have had to make drastic changes to our lives, businesses, and food establishments. The food industry is an important part of our society so it's important that your staff adhere to the safety measures that the government has put in place. Safety measures include the wearing of particular personal protective equipment commonly referred to as PPE.

Probably the most prevalent piece of PPE is the face mask. This has been made compulsory. All citizens who are out in public must wear a face mask. There are very good reasons for this. The face mask protects you and those around you. If a certain person has the coronavirus, the face mask captures the droplets that come from breathing as well as those that are exposed when the person coughs. When a person covers their mouth and nose with this face mask the droplets do not travel any further than the mask. Therefore the spread of the coronavirus can be controlled. It has been said that the face mask also gives some protection to the person who doesn't have the coronavirus. So if there is a person who coughs in the vicinity, the person with the mask covering their face may not breathe in the miniscule droplets that carry the coronavirus. So in effect the healthy person may not get infected although they are in an area where exposure to the virus may occur. Keep in mind that there are other measures that must also be taken to ensure that the coronavirus does not enter your immune system. So you must be sure to practice all round hygiene which consists of washing of your hands whilst also avoiding the urge to touch your face.

Another protective measure that you should take in your food establishment is disinfecting your catering equipment. Ensuring that all the commercial kitchen equipment is kept clean and disinfected at regular intervals is also a good hygiene practice. Anything that may come in contact with anyone should be disinfected.

Keep a safe distance from people especially if you are in a food establishment like a supermarket or food retailer. You want to avoid exposure to anyone who may have the coronavirus. If you are working in a food establishment dispose of the disposable face mask, gloves and shoe covers as you leave the building. Don't get into your car with any of the PPE that has been exposed to many people. Then as soon as you get home, put your clothes into the washing machine and take a shower to cleanse yourself from any contaminants. This is an important hygiene practice as you don't want to expose any of your family members to the risk. You also want to keep yourself safe and healthy so that you can continue to provide for your family as well as serve the public.

Keep safe and take care when you have to go out there.

CaterWeb stocks a full range of commercial kitchen products and we even offer free demonstrations as well as hands on training if necessary. Visit our website to access our online store or alternatively we welcome you to visit our new showroom. Please call us on 011-334-4227 or e-mail your inquiry to sales@caterweb.co.za so we may assist with your catering equipment requirements!