Whether their uniform accessories are for style or convenience, or if a celebrity TV chef makes it appear fashionable, there are several wardrobe quirks that ServSafe MN managers should avoid. While the possible list of uniform components that are food safety hazards can be extensive, we’d like to focus on three that we feel should never be part of your work attire.
Three Uniform Components to Kick Out of the Kitchen
Anything you add to your work dress instantly becomes susceptible to the same contamination risks as the rest of your uniform. The following are three things that we feel should not be allowed in your uniform policy.
- Dry towels attached to the uniform
- Arm and hand jewelry
- Baseball caps as head coverings
Many food workers feel looping a dry towel around apron strings or slinging it over a shoulder is convenient. It keeps your towel handy and readily available when a plate or cutting board needs a quick wipe. Unfortunately, the apron is a common collector of dirt, grease, and debris in the kitchen, and the shoulder of your uniform can become contaminated with sweat and other bacteria. Keep your dry towels stored in a clean place that will allow them to be easily accessible when needed.
The regulations concerning jewelry in food preparation facilities are often overlooked. The food code states that only simple wedding bands and plain rings can be worn. Arm and wrist bands, rings, and other accessories can often go unnoticed, especially with the front-of-the-house staff in restaurants. Consider a necklace or anklet as an alternative for an employee wearing a medical alert bracelet. Management should also be advised for each employee who is wearing such jewelry so that it can be quickly located in the event of a medical emergency.
Ball Caps: A Wardrobe Dilemma For ServSafe Managers
While the Minnesota Food Code concerning head coverings doesn’t disallow baseball caps, we feel there may be a few concerns with incorporating them into your dress code. Most ball caps are crafted from absorbent cloth, and the bills are generally constructed from cardboard lined with soft material. Over time, this cloth and cardboard can become saturated with sweat, steam, and other substances. This creates a potential breeding ground for bacteria. While paper head coverings or hair nets are ideal, we understand that baseball caps are comfortable and familiar. Alternatively, if they’re part of your dress code, keep them clean and replace them regularly.
These three items seem to provide style, comfort, and convenience in the workplace, but unfortunately, they also create contamination dangers. By making it a policy to eliminate them, you can make the cleanest kitchen even safer.
