Running a restaurant can be a fantastic career for those creative individuals with inspired culinary imaginations. But it’s not just about serving up trendy dishes that bring in the crowds. A big slice of the restaurant business involves providing a safe environment for employees and customers, which also relates to preparing and handling food safely. Here a few tips to help you run a safe establishment so you can continue cooking up delicacies for years to come.

• First and foremost, keep a strict cleaning schedule for both the kitchen and dining room. All areas should be cleaned according to proper sanitization protocols. Additionally, your employees should be required to wash their hands regularly.

• Your ability to prepare food depends on assorted kitchen equipment, which should be inspected and professionally cleaned on a regular basis. On top of appliances, you will also need to inspect the fire sprinkler system, fire extinguishers, air conditioning unit and refrigeration units as recommended by state law and/or manufacturer instruction.

• All employees should be educated on proper food storage and handling. Raw meats and eggs should be kept away from and rinsed in separate sinks than other fresh food items to avoid cross-contamination of harmful bacteria. Staff should also be educated on first aid practices, including medical treatment for cuts and burns.

• Food items should be kept at proper temperatures, away from the danger zone that lies between 41 and 135 degrees. Monitor temperatures on buffet lines and always thaw and marinate food items in the fridge, rather than out on a counter.

• Routinely inspect the exterior of the property to ensure that parking lots and sidewalks are free of debris, ice or anything else that could be risky. A step farther toward safety is to light the building’s exterior for better visibility, which doubles as a theft deterrent.

The safer your establishment, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to save on your restaurant insurance premiums. Your independent insurance agent can discuss discount options with you, helping you save in other areas as well.

Get a quote today. Call Stastny Insurance Agency at (800) 864-2645 for more information on Maryland restaurant insurance.