Starting to work with food in the summer – in cafes, restaurants, kiosks, or events – it is important to know the basic rules and responsibilities to ensure the work is safe, hygienic, and professional. Here are the main aspects you must know:
1. Food handling certificate (hygiene courses)
- Before starting work, it is mandatory to have a health knowledge and skills certification – often this is an online hygiene course. When starting to work with food, you must have a hygiene skills certificate with the HBB+H10 program. You can purchase this hygiene course on the website www.ehigiena.lt
- You may also need a health check certificate from a doctor.
2. Personal hygiene
- Wash hands before starting work, after using the toilet, after sneezing or coughing, and after handling raw products.
- Short, clean nails, no nail polish or artificial nails.
- No jewelry (rings, bracelets, watches) – they accumulate dirt.
- Hair must be tied back (e.g., with a cap, net, or hair tie).
- Do not go to work if you have a fever or digestive disorders – this can pose a risk to others.
3. Food storage temperatures
- Cold food: ≤ +6 °C
- Hot food: ≥ +60 °C
- Do not store prepared food at "in-between temperatures" – bacteria multiply quickly between +10 and +55 °C.
- It is important to use refrigerators and thermometers to ensure the correct temperature.
4. Cross-contamination prevention
- Separate raw meat/fish from prepared food – use different cutting boards and utensils.
- Wash utensils and surfaces between handling different food products.
- Never touch prepared food with dirty hands or gloves.
5. Cleanliness of surfaces and utensils
- Clean and disinfect work surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils daily.
- Store cleaning supplies separately from food products.
- Dirty dishes must be washed with hot water and detergent, then disinfected.
6. Communication with customers
- Polite and courteous behavior.
- If a customer has allergies – it is essential to provide accurate information about the dish ingredients.
- Safe food presentation – without hand contact with prepared food.
7. Summer risks: heat and insects
- Protect food from direct sunlight.
- Use food covers, nets, or sealed containers to protect from flies, insects, and dust.
- In summer, dairy products, meat, fish, eggs spoil faster – their care is especially important.
If you want to purchase hygiene skills courses, contact us:
💌 Email: info@togilas.lt
📞 Mobile Phone: +370 6 14 12278
