How Does A Clean Commercial Kitchen Affect Hygiene
- Posted by:
- Admin
- Tags:
- Posted date:
- 04-08-2023

Commercial Kitchen Cleaning
How does a clean commercial kitchen affect hygiene? Discover how proper kitchen cleanliness mitigates health risks, maintains compliance, and enhances your business reputation. Anglesey Commercial Cleaning offer professional commercial kitchen deep cleaning for Caernarfon, Anglesey and Gwynedd. Learn why a hygienic commercial kitchen is non-negotiable and unlock the secrets to success in the culinary industry.
Preventing Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination occurs when harmful bacteria are transferred between various surfaces, equipment, and food items. The most common scenario is when raw food comes into contact with ready-to-eat items, kitchen equipment, or food preparation surfaces, leading to potential foodborne illnesses. For instance, if raw meat drips onto a sandwich in the refrigerator, bacteria can spread from the meat to the sandwich, posing a risk of food poisoning.
To mitigate the risks of cross-contamination, stringent hygiene practices must be implemented. Thoroughly washing hands, surfaces, and equipment between food preparation tasks is essential. It is also crucial to keep different food items adequately separated and, if necessary, utilise colour-coded equipment, such as knives and chopping boards, to avoid cross-contamination between food groups.
Incorporating a colour coding system for other cleaning materials and equipment further enhances the effectiveness of contamination prevention. Items like buckets, mops, brooms, brushes, cleaning cloths, and dustpans can be colour-coded to specific areas or tasks, minimising the risk of using the wrong equipment in critical spaces. Proper storage of cleaning supplies is equally vital to prevent mix-ups and maintain hygiene. Keeping cleaning chemicals in their original containers ensures that the correct solution is used during cleaning routines.
Additionally, organising cleaning supplies in locked cupboards restricts access, ensuring they are only utilised when required. Handwashing plays a pivotal role in the battle against cross-contamination. Regular handwashing by all kitchen staff, especially after handling raw meat or switching between different sections in the kitchen, is imperative. After handling raw meat, equipment should be thoroughly washed before reuse to eliminate any lingering bacteria.
Cleaning Food Areas & Equipment
The thorough cleaning and disinfection of food areas and equipment are critical components of maintaining a safe and hygienic commercial kitchen. Regular cleaning as you go is essential to promptly address spillages and prevent the build-up of food debris and bacteria.
When handling raw meat, it is crucial to clean and disinfect food contact surfaces, utensils, and equipment immediately after use. This practice significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Selecting the right cleaning agents is equally important to ensure effective sanitation.

Cleaning products should adhere to the BS EN standards and be labelled with either BS EN 1276 or BS EN 13697. These standards ensure that the chemicals are proven to be effective against common forms of bacteria, including MRSA, making them suitable for use on food preparation surfaces. Implementing a cleaning schedule that includes regular deep cleaning of the entire kitchen at the end of the working day is vital.
This comprehensive approach helps maintain a consistently high level of hygiene and minimises the risk of bacteria growth. By adhering to stringent cleaning practices and following proper hygiene guidelines, commercial kitchens can create a safe and hygienic environment, safeguarding both their customers' well-being and their business reputation. Regular cleaning, combined with preventive measures to avoid cross-contamination, serves as the foundation for a successful and thriving food establishment.
Why is commercial kitchen cleaning so important?
Annually, around 2.4 million cases of foodborne illnesses occur in the UK, resulting in 180 deaths. An outbreak in a catering business can lead to irreparable damage to its reputation and substantial financial losses. Prioritizing industrial kitchen cleaning is vital to avoid such dire consequences, making hygiene a top priority for every catering establishment.
To remain open, catering businesses must adhere to the stringent Food Standards Agency Regulations regarding food hygiene standards. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and even closure. Following correct commercial cleaning procedures is crucial in preventing cross-contamination and ensuring compliance with food hygiene standards and regulations.
By maintaining a clean and sanitized commercial kitchen, the risks of foodborne illnesses are significantly reduced, creating a safe environment for food preparation and protecting the well-being of customers. Moreover, preserving a spotless reputation for hygiene standards helps attract and retain loyal customers, contributing to the long-term viability of the catering business in the competitive industry.
What Is A Food Hygiene Rating?
The food hygiene rating serves as a crucial indicator of the cleanliness and hygiene standards upheld by catering businesses. It is determined through a meticulous inspection conducted by the local authority.
During this assessment, the business's compliance with relevant food safety laws is thoroughly scrutinized, and based on the findings, a food hygiene rating ranging from 0 to 5 is assigned. The food hygiene rating scale is as follows:
In England, displaying the hygiene rating sticker is not mandatory, but it holds immense significance for customers seeking safe and hygienic places to eat. Patrons can easily access the food hygiene rating of a catering business by conducting a simple search on ratings.food.gov.uk.

Opting to display the hygiene rating is not only a responsible practice but also serves as a powerful marketing tool for catering establishments. It demonstrates the business's dedication to adhering to food hygiene laws and ensuring the safety of its customers.
A high food hygiene rating instils confidence in potential diners, enticing them to choose the establishment over competitors with lower ratings. Conversely, a low hygiene rating can dissuade customers from patronizing the business, leading them to opt for alternatives with better-rated establishments. Hence, maintaining a high food hygiene rating is not just about compliance but also a strategic approach to building a positive reputation and fostering customer loyalty.
The connection between kitchen cleaning practices and the food hygiene rating is undeniable. Catering businesses that diligently follow sound commercial kitchen cleaning practices are more likely to receive a favourable hygiene rating during inspections.
The cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen area play a pivotal role in determining the rating awarded to the establishment. Regular and thorough kitchen cleaning ensures the removal of visible dirt and grease, as well as the elimination of hidden bacteria and food debris that could pose serious health risks to customers.
An immaculately clean kitchen creates a safe environment for food preparation, substantially reducing the chances of cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses. Maintaining a cleaning schedule that includes both routine cleaning during food preparation and deep cleaning at the end of the working day is essential. Proper cleaning and disinfection of food contact surfaces, equipment, and utensils after handling raw food are critical steps to prevent cross-contamination and maintain a high food hygiene rating.
How do I clean an industrial kitchen effectively?
Maintaining a spotless industrial kitchen is crucial to prevent the rapid buildup of grease and dirt, which can create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. By implementing rigorous cleaning practices, the risk of foodborne illnesses like E. coli and Salmonella can be significantly reduced. Here are some essential industrial kitchen cleaning tasks to ensure an effective and safe kitchen environment:
Kitchen sinks can harbour over 17,000 bacteria per square inch, making regular disinfection essential. Use a quality multi-purpose antibacterial sanitiser, like Byotrol 4-in-1 multi-purpose cleaner, to clean the sink daily. This powerful hygiene solution eradicates 99.9% of known bacteria and viruses, including E. coli, Norovirus, and Covid-19.
Regularly clean kitchen countertops and hard surfaces to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses. Use a kitchen cleaning antibacterial solution, such as Byotrol all-purpose disinfectant spray, and wipe with a blue roll for a streak-free finish. Remember to clean reusable cleaning items like clothes between uses.
Use a specialist oven cleaning product to break down grease and tough stains. Soak trays and shelves in warm water with a cleaning solution before cleaning effectively. Apply oven cleaner to the interior, allowing it to sit before scrubbing away dirt, grease, and food debris. For heavily soiled ovens and racks, leave the cleaning solution overnight for optimal results.
Regularly cleaning the fridge and freezer prevents bacteria buildup and eliminates unpleasant odours. Remove all items and clean spillages and debris using a wet sponge. Clean shelves and drawers in warm water with a mild cleaner. Use an antibacterial spray to clean every part thoroughly.
Loosen stubborn residue by microwaving a small bowl of water and white vinegar for 2-3 minutes. Use a multi-purpose cleaning spray and wipe the interior with a dry cloth.
Mop the kitchen floors at the end of each day using an industrial kitchen floor cleaner or a kitchen floor cleaner spray. Pay special attention to cleaning between appliances and difficult-to-reach areas to maintain a safe environment and prevent slips and injuries.
Are you looking for commercial kitchen cleaning services in Caernarfon, Anglesey and Gwynedd? For more information on how to keep your kitchen spaces cleaned or to hire a professional service, be sure to contact our team.