Christine Dantz, Author at Safe Food For Thought

October 1, 2018September 5, 2018

Minnesota Food Code Changes for Warewashing Water Temperature

Dishwashing machines are a vital part of any food service operation, but they also present a potential food safety hazard if not maintained properly. One key part of any dishwashing machines ability to sanitize plateware, silverware and cooking utensils is having hot water available, and with new changes coming to the Minnesota food code, you’ll soon be required to take specific steps to monitor the warewashing water temperature in your dishwashing machine.

Proposed Minnesota Food Code Compatible Warewashing Water Temperature Measuring Options

We learn in online ServSafe courses that the hot water temperature in your dishwashing machine must reach temperatures greater than 160 degrees for proper sanitation. Many types of devices exist that can ensure that food contact surfaces reach the proper temperature:

Single-Use Temperature-Sensitive Stickers
Temperature-Sensitive Labels and Test Strips
Reusable Waterproof Thermometers

Temperature-sensitive stickers and labels are color changing devices that can only be used one time. There are advantages and disadvantages to using stickers and labels. The cost of a box of these temperature-sensitive devices is much cheaper than a thermometer designed for measuring your dishwashing machine’s water temperature. Accuracy of these labels can be called into question as they do not give you a reading to the exact degree. While they do change color based on water temperature, they only give you a range of temperature rather than an exact reading. A word of warning about stickers and labels; they come in many different temperature ranges, so make sure you purchase a product that reads temperatures of at least 160 degrees.

We recommend a reusable Min-Max registering digital thermometer designed for warewashing. While the initial cost of these is much more expensive, over time you may find the long term cost of buying box after box after box of test strips might be more expensive. These thermometers can be accurate to the tenth or hundredth of a degree, and come in numerous styles, some that are even shaped like a small plate that will fit conveniently on your dishwashing rack. They are easy to read, easy to use and give you a much better idea of exactly how your dishwashing machine is performing.

Making sure that your warewashing temperature is high enough to kill pathogens will eliminate one sensitive area in your facility. We’d like to know which type of temperature monitoring device you find the most convenient.

September 24, 2018September 5, 2018

Certified Food Managers and Changes in their Title and Requirements

Certified Food Manager CFM to Certified Food Protection Manager(CFPM)

As we’ve discussed in previous articles, the Minnesota Department of Health has proposed the first major update to the food code in quite some time. One important aspect of these changes includes the altering of certain terms that are commonly used in the code. This week, we’ll break down the change in terminology as it relates to the title of Certified Food Managers.

Upcoming Changes for Certified Food Managers in the MN Food Code

We notice right away that the title of certified food managers is changing. The new language in the code will refer to the Certified Food Protection Manager. This is a slight change, but something worth taking note of. The duties and training required for the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) will remain similar to previous requirements with a few exceptions.

One reason for this change is to clarify that the requirement for outlets to have a CFPM are based on risk rather than the type of facility where food production occurs. Under the new proposed food code, there will no longer be an exemption for mobile food units, such as food trucks or carts, temporary or seasonal facilities. These types of food producers will now be required to have a full-time CFPM based on their risk category.

The changes in the way the code deals with the certified food protection manager also clears up a few issues regarding certification and renewals. The instructor providing training and renewal courses must be certified themselves in order to provide certifications for students.

Finally, the Minnesota Department of Health is also altering the grace period allowed for renewal of certification. Rather than a full year, managers now only have a grace period of six months to complete their renewal requirements.

What do you think of the changes to the certified food protection managers in the new code? Will it affect how you go about your duties?

September 17, 2018September 5, 2018

Prepackaged Food Safety Training

Most restaurants make their menu items in their own kitchens, but some chain restaurants with a multitude of locations and other facilities may not have the luxury of staff or kitchen space so they bring in certain prepackaged items to fill out their menus. In these cases, the distributor is the one who prepares and packages these meals, salad mixes or other ready-to-eat foods, so how much responsibility do you have to take to ensure prepackaged items are safe? We’ll take a look at prepackaged food safety training.

Prepackaged Food Safety Training and Food-Borne Illness Risks

McDonalds recently fell victim to a food-poisoning outbreak in 15 states that was traced back to a salad mix that was prepared by Fresh Express and shipped to a large number of McDonalds restaurants. Just like July’s cases involving Del Monte vegetable trays, this salad mix was found to be contaminated with a parasite called Cylcosporiasis. In both of these cases, the parasites came from an outside source and not the restaurants, grocery stores or other outlets that sold them.

As food service managers, we cannot simply assume that these cases won’t happen to us, and if they do we need to have a better response than; “I didn’t make it, not my problem.” We need to use our food safety training in all instances, whether we’ve prepared the food ourselves or brought it in from an outside source. In the case of salad mixes and prepackaged vegetables, you’re still safe to wash and rinse these types of produce even if the sealed plastic bag declares that its contents are “ready to eat.” This extra precaution may save big headaches in the long run should the product be contaminated.

You should also take steps to prevent sickening your staff from non-produce items. Sometimes, undeclared allergens appear in dressings, snack bars and many other types of pre-packaged foods. We recommend vigilance in checking the FDA’s recall alert page. Here you can find a searchable list of all recent recalls due to contaminates or allergens.

Do you serve prepackaged, ready-to-eat foods in your facility? If so, do you provide prepackaged food training to your staff to ensure it is safe for your customers?

September 10, 2018September 5, 2018

Food Safety Classes and Food Safety Month

September is National Food Safety Month, and this makes for the perfect time to brush up on what you have learned in your food safety classes and go out of your way to make sure your facility is in top shape. It can also provide an opportunity to enlighten your guests to the steps you take to keep pathogens from reaching their plate.

Promoting Food Safety Month During September

While we should remain vigilant throughout the year, setting aside one month to assess and address food safety in your facility is a great idea. This could be the perfect time to perform a mock health inspection so you can see if there are any gaps in your staff knowledge and performance. If you find any issues, conducting a few group food safety classes with your employees will get everyone on the same page and increase food safety awareness.

This also provides you with an opportunity to clue your guests in on some food safety procedures. A detailed handwashing sign in your public washroom, a card on the table informing them of your table sanitation process or even an extra sheet in your menu with a daily food safety tip they can apply at home in honor of food safety month can impress upon your clientele how much you value their health.

You should also take the time to identify key members of your team that are ready for the responsibilities of a certified food manager. It never hurts to have multiple employees certified in the event of the absence of your current certified manager.

ServSafe has provided tools and worksheets for you and your staff to review over the coming month to improve your food handling practices. Do you participate in Food Safety Month?