A colour coding system is a highly beneficial addition for a wide range of sectors. With regards to food safety, colour-coded systems can be applied to processes including, cleaning, cooking, hygiene, uniform clothing and equipment.
4 Benefits of utilising colour-coded equipment include:
- Prevent Cross Contamination
- Identify high risk, low-risk areas
- Hygienic Waste Management
- Safe Segregation of Cleaning Equipment
Colour-coded equipment can help minimise the risk of product cross-contamination from bacteria, allergens and foreign bodies. The presence of colour coded system improves food safety and quality, saves on expensive recalls and protects business reputation.
Food Safety
For safe food handling, colour-coded cooking utensils, cleaning equipment and waste management tools help to ensure a safe and hygienic environment.
Cooking utensils such as chopping boards, thermometers and knives can be segregated into a colour coded system to reduce the risk of cross contamination. In food production, different colours should be used to segregate; raw meats, cooked meats, fish, dairy and prevent allergen contamination. Additionally, colour-coded cleaning systems can be used to ensure that cleaning equipment used for toilet areas are not then used to clean kitchen areas. Cleaning equipment such as brooms, mops, spillage kits and waste disposals systems are available in colour coding to ensure contamination is not transferred during the cleaning process.
Uniform Colour Coding
For businesses that need to separate high risk from low risk areas, colour coded workwear can assist in preventing cross-contamination. A vast range of Disposable PPE as well as polycotton lab coats are available to be used as part of a colour coding system. The use of disposable PPE such as overcoats, gloves and hair nets can ensure the containment of certain bacteria, allergens etc, as the items are disposed of within a specific environment.
For a successful colour-coded system:
• Keep the system simple, limit the number of colours for each and every step of a complicated process
• Pick logical colours per area
• Re-inforce colour-coding with good signage
• Be sure tools and storage areas match
• Regularly review and monitor colour-coding plan
For more information, talk to an expert on 08450 267 745.