If you find yourself in a situation where the commercial chemical dishwasher is broken and cannot be fixed, and the management or staff at the restaurant do not seem to prioritize proper dish sanitization, it's important to take appropriate action to ensure food safety and hygiene standards are upheld. Here are some steps you can consider:
Speak with Management: Express your concerns about the broken dishwasher and the potential health hazards it poses. Let the management know that food safety is crucial for the well-being of the customers and the reputation of the restaurant. Politely but firmly bring the issue to their attention.
Offer Solutions: Propose temporary solutions while the dishwasher is being repaired or replaced. For example, suggest using disposable tableware or switching to single-use biodegradable plates and utensils. These may not be ideal for the environment, but they can help maintain a higher level of cleanliness in the absence of a working dishwasher.
Handwashing Protocol: Reinforce the importance of proper handwashing for all restaurant staff. Hands should be washed frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after handling dirty dishes and before touching food.
Manual Dishwashing: If the dishwasher is not operational, resort to manual dishwashing using hot water and a detergent specifically meant for dishwashing. Ensure that dishes are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed to reduce the risk of contamination.
Sanitizing Solution: Prepare a sanitizing solution using a mixture of water and food-safe sanitizing agents, such as chlorine bleach or quaternary ammonium compounds. Use this solution to immerse the dishes after washing to kill any remaining bacteria and germs.
Quality Control: If you are in a position to do so, monitor the dishwashing process and the cleanliness of the dishes regularly to ensure that food safety standards are being met.
Report Health Concerns: If the management remains indifferent and the unsanitary conditions persist, you may need to report the issue to the local health department. They have the authority to investigate and enforce food safety regulations to protect public health.
Seek Employment Elsewhere: If your efforts to address the issue are not successful and the restaurant continues to neglect food safety, you may want to consider finding employment in a different establishment that prioritizes hygiene and food safety practices.
Remember that ensuring proper dish sanitization is not just a matter of following regulations; it's a fundamental responsibility to protect the health and well-being of customers and maintain the reputation of the restaurant.