Efficient Hygiene Tracking with Andy: Revolutionising Food Safety Records

November 30, 2023

In today’s competitive hospitality and food service landscape, maintaining impeccable hygiene is a non-negotiable.

Traditionally, businesses have grappled with manual processes, paperwork, and the risk of human errors in recording food safety records.

HACCP and Hygiene software Andy revolutionises these tedious hygiene protocols, offering a streamlined and intelligent solution for the rigorous demands of the foodservice industry.

Find out more in this article!

Complying with hygiene tracking in hospitality and food service businesses

In the European Union, the regulatory framework for food safety and hygiene in restaurants and food establishments is governed by the Food Hygiene Regulations.

One of the key regulations that sets the standards for hygiene tracking in restaurants is Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs, which lays down general hygiene requirements for food businesses and covers various aspects related to food safety, including:

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP): Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 mandates that food businesses must implement and maintain a food safety management system based on the principles of HACCP, which, as you know, involves identifying potential hazards, establishing critical control points, and implementing measures to ensure food safety.
Record-Keeping: The regulation emphasises the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date records. Food businesses are required to keep records related to various aspects of food safety, including the origin of ingredients, storage temperatures, cleaning and sanitation, and employee training.
Training and Supervision: The regulation stipulates that food handlers must receive appropriate training in food hygiene matters. This training ensures that employees are knowledgeable about safe food handling practices and hygiene procedures.
Traceability: Food businesses are required to have systems in place to enable the traceability of food, feed, and ingredients. This ensures that in the event of a food safety issue, the source of the problem can be identified and addressed promptly.
Temperature Control: The regulation emphasises the importance of maintaining appropriate temperatures during all stages of food production, handling, storage, and transportation to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms.
Cleaning and Disinfection: Food establishments must have effective cleaning and disinfection procedures in place for equipment, utensils, and premises to prevent cross-contamination and ensure food safety.

It’s important to note that while Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 sets the general framework for food safety and hygiene, individual EU member states may have additional regulations and guidelines that provide more specific requirements for hygiene tracking in restaurants.

These regulations aim to ensure a high level of food safety across the EU and to protect public health by minimising the risks associated with foodborne illnesses.

Restaurants operating within the European Union are expected to comply with these regulations, implement appropriate hygiene tracking measures, and maintain accurate records to demonstrate their commitment to food safety and public health.

The Challenge of Manual Hygiene Tracking

Before the “digital age”, tracking hygiene practices to assure compliance and consumer food safety was a labour-intensive process.

Paper records were prone to getting lost, damaged, or misfiled, creating headaches during audits or inspections.

Manual data entry not only consumed valuable time but also introduced the risk of inaccuracies that could compromise food safety.

Today employees in hundreds of thousands of restaurants and foodservice businesses across the world are still enduring the repetitive and time-consuming tasks that come with manual hygiene tracking procedures.

Fortunately, there’s another way.

A much more streamlined, accurate, and convenient solution.

Andy’s Digital Hygiene Tracking: A Game-Changer

Enter Andy, our innovative food safety management system designed to alleviate the challenges associated with traditional hygiene tracking, as well as HACCP record keeping, food labelling, food auditing, and a lot more!

By harnessing the power of technology, Andy transforms the landscape of food safety records, offering a host of benefits that significantly enhance operational efficiency and overall food safety standards.

Benefits of Andy’s Hygiene Tracking Tool

Real-Time Data Entry: With Andy, hygiene tracking becomes a real-time process. As kitchen staff complete tasks such as handwashing, surface cleaning, and equipment sanitisation, the data is directly input into the system. This immediacy ensures that records are up-to-date and accurate, reducing the risk of discrepancies during audits.

Automated Alerts and Reminders: Andy eliminates the need for manual calendar reminders. The system sends automated alerts to kitchen staff, ensuring that scheduled hygiene tasks are performed on time. Whether it’s a reminder to change sanitising solutions or a notification for regular equipment maintenance, Andy keeps operations running smoothly.

Centralised Digital Hygiene and Food Safety Records: Traditional paper records can scatter across different locations, making retrieval and analysis a time-consuming process. Andy centralises all hygiene records in a digital format, allowing authorised personnel to access, review, and analyse data effortlessly. This centralised approach enhances transparency and accountability.

Analytics and Insights: The data collected through Andy’s hygiene tracking isn’t just a digital paper trail; it’s a treasure trove of insights. The system provides analytics and reports that offer a holistic view of hygiene practices over time. These insights empower decision-makers to identify trends, areas for improvement, and opportunities for enhanced efficiency.
Audits Made Effortless: The prospect of audits can be daunting, but with Andy, it’s a seamless process. Instead of sifting through piles of paper records, auditors can access a comprehensive digital history of hygiene practices. This not only expedites audits but also showcases the restaurant’s commitment to modern food safety practices. Plus, external auditors love it when businesses make their task that much easier!

Implementing Andy’s Hygiene Tracking and Food Safety Records: A Seamless Transition

Adopting new technology can be met with apprehension, but Andy’s user-friendly interface ensures a smooth transition. The intuitive design and ease of use mean that kitchen staff can quickly adapt to the new system.

The following are just some of the situations where Andy’s hygiene management tool can make a massive difference in your kitchen/s:

Pre-Service Preparation: As the kitchen gears up for the evening rush, chefs consult their digital hygiene checklists. Each station’s checklist details tasks such as cleaning cutting boards, disinfecting countertops, and checking the sanitising solutions in use.
Timely Handwashing: Andy’s automated reminders ensure that all staff members adhere to proper handwashing protocols. At designated intervals, staff receive alerts prompting them to wash their hands, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Sanitisation of Cooking Equipment: In the midst of culinary creativity, the importance of equipment sanitisation remains a priority. Chefs consult the digital checklist to ensure that grills, ovens, and other cooking equipment are sanitised before use.
End-of-Shift Cleaning: As the night draws to a close, the kitchen team follows the end-of-shift checklist. From disposing of perishable ingredients to sanitising work surfaces, each step is meticulously tracked and recorded in real time.

Compliance: Elevating Hygiene Practices

Ensuring compliance with food safety records and regulations is a non-negotiable responsibility for every restaurant.

Andy’s digital hygiene tracking streamlines compliance efforts by providing a structured and standardised approach to recording hygiene activities.

With clear guidelines and real-time monitoring, the risk of non-compliance is minimised, allowing restaurant owners and managers to focus on delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

By streamlining food safety record-keeping, enhancing accuracy, and offering valuable insights, Andy sets a new standard for hygiene tracking in restaurant kitchens.

Big brands in institutional catering and franchises all over the world like Domino’s Pizza, to NewRest, Starbucks have embraced this smarter approach, opening their doors to safer dining experiences.