5 Things to Remember for Food Service Safety Month

If you haven’t heard yet, December is Food Service Safety Month - and what a great month to observe this. Eating out has become a popular way of living, so whether you own a fast food restaurant in St. Louis, Missouri or 5-star dining at the Lake of the Ozarks, there’s no time like the present to up your food service safety game. Here are five things your Missouri restaurant can do to improve the food service safety, and how Fast Fix LLC can be there with you when you need us.


1. Begin Rotating Food

This isn’t just a cool method for organizing food, this is a way to comply with the FDA Food Code. You need to implement the Food Rotation Program so that you can be sure that food is thrown out once it reaches the use-by date. This is one really great way to help reduce your chances of serving food that is past its prime. You start by enabling an adequate labeling system or tracking program. Just be sure that your method meets Federal guidelines:

  • The prepared foods must be clearly marked with the date of preparation and use-by date.
  • If food is purchased commercially, it must be labeled to indicate when the original package was opened and its use-by date.
  • If foods and ingredients are removed from their original containers, they must be labeled for identification.


2. Make First Aid Stations a Priority

You probably aren’t surprised when we say that working in the food industry can be dangerous. Sharp knives, hot oil, and boiling water are just a few obstacles to escape when the kitchen is busy. It’s important that you prepare for any emergencies well in advance. You can also improve your food safety by adding more first aid stations with the correct supplies. Injured workers, especially if they prepare the food, need to get adequate care and take precautions to keep bodily fluids out of areas where food preparation is completed.

3. Keep Employee Training Updated

Food safety can stay top of mind when your staff are thoroughly educated and trained. Make sure you discuss important topics like food safety protocols. Make sure that your team has access to the right hygiene products like disposable gloves and hair nets. Post signs that remind your team to wash their hands and sterilize equipment and countertops. Finally, don’t forget to go over proper personal hygiene and dress code when working in a kitchen. These steps can help ensure that everyone understands what is expected and how to provide the best service.

4. Certify Your Staff As Food Handlers

It’s important to make sure that your staff have a Food Handler certification. This is essential to keeping your customers safe, and in many states, it is a legal requirement. In Missouri, the basic food handlers training is not required, but several counties do have specific rules. In Illinois, a new law became effective in 2014 stating that all food handlers in the state must receive training in basic food safety concepts. Fast Fix LLC serves restaurants all over the Missouri area, as well as Western Illinois.

Look for courses that are ANSI accredited, so that you will know that a visiting Health Inspector will accept the certification. The test can be completed online, and the training is relatively low in cost. If you aren’t certain what the requirements are where your restaurant is located, it’s important to check in with your Health Department.

5. Keep Food At Safe Temperatures

Bacteria will always thrive in warm environments. One of the most important things you can do for your customer's safety is being aware of the temperature of the food in your kitchen, especially when it is sitting out for long periods of time. Using thermometers can help make sure that food is being cooked all of the way through, or is kept warm, or cooled depending on the requirements. This can prevent food-borne illnesses. Do you have a fridge or freezer that is down? Fast Fix LLC is here to help. We have emergency services available, and we want to assist you in getting your units back up and running FAST.


One Call Does It All

If you haven’t heard of Fast Fix LLC, we are a commercial restaurant maintenance and repair company. We repair restaurant equipment in St. Louis, Columbia, Jefferson City, Lake of the Ozarks, Sedalia, Western Illinois, and the surrounding areas. We keep highly trained technicians on our team, and we are always abreast of the ever changing requirements and aspects of our field. If you own a restaurant and are looking for a team of experts to help keep your equipment up and running, we would be proud to be the ones you call. Visit our website to learn more about our services and products. Happy Food Service Safety Month!

Fast Fix LLC. Restaurant Equipment Service & Repair - 

One Call Does It All! 




Fast Fix LLC. Restaurant Services
3362 State Road JJ
Kingdom City, MO 65262

Columbia: 573-544-0456
St. Louis: 636-327-8349

Location: Kingdom City, MO, USA

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