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Whether you own a restaurant, a bar, or a cafe, savvy food business owners understand the importance of maintaining high standards in their kitchens. In fact, the importance of food safety has been emphasized in recent weeks as several restaurants throughout Metro Manila were ordered to cease operations temporarily due to food safety concerns. Given all this, it isn’t a stretch to say that ensuring proper food safety standards are met is crucial to the success of any food business.
One way to ensure this is to invest in your kitchen team by having them become ServSafe certified.
What is ServSafe?
ServSafe is a food and beverage safety training and certificate program administered by the U.S. National Restaurant Association. The program is designed to educate foodservice workers about foodborne illnesses, how to prevent them, and how to handle and prepare food safely. Although administered by a U.S. body, the certification teaches international safety standards and is recognized globally.
The ServSafe certification process involves a comprehensive training program and a certification exam. Topics covered in the training program include personal hygiene, proper food handling and storage, preventing cross-contamination, and maintaining a clean and sanitary kitchen environment. Passing the certification exam demonstrates that the participant has the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent foodborne illnesses and maintain food safety in the workplace.
Why is ServSafe Certification Critical?
One of the most significant benefits of having a ServSafe certified kitchen team is that it tells your customers that your restaurant takes food safety seriously. Given the recent restaurant closures throughout Metro Manila, more and more consumers are becoming health-conscious and demanding safer food. If they have a poor experience, you can best believe that they won’t hesitate to share their experience online. Having a certified team can give them peace of mind and increase your restaurant’s reputation.
Of course, there’s also the matter of preventing costly and reputation-damaging incidents such as food poisoning or health code violations. These incidents can lead to fines, legal action, and even the closure of your business. If your team is ServSafe certified, they can help prevent such incidents from happening.
Lastly, the benefits of investing in the ServSafe certification of your team goes beyond just food safety and your restaurant’s reputation. Investing in your team demonstrates your commitment to creating a safe working environment and the career advancement of your employees. These two messages are powerful and may even help with employee retention.
Remember: food safety is not just a legal requirement, but it is also an ethical responsibility that can make or break a food and beverage business. As such, enrolling your kitchen team in a ServSafe certification course is an essential step for any food business entrepreneur looking to establish long-term success.