AVA Vending Hygiene Focus: Cleaning Requirements.
It is imperative to prioritize hygiene in vending machines in order to ensure the safety of food and adherence to legal regulations. Implementing proper cleaning practices not only safeguards consumers but also bolsters the dependability of your vending services. This comprehensive guide aims to aid you in keeping your vending machines impeccably clean and in compliance with standards.
Legal Compliance Essentials
- Safe Materials: Use materials for food and water contact parts that do not transfer harmful constituents to foods.
- Potable Water Supply: Ensure access to hot and cold potable water for cleaning machines that vend fresh food or open drinks. Regularly clean water contact parts in drinks vending machines.
- Connection to Potable Water: Drinks vending machines must be connected to a source of potable water. Refer to appendix 3 for detailed water quality guidelines.
- Waste Disposal: Fit drinks vending machines with a waste tray or bucket for appropriate disposal.
- Stock Management: Remove spoiled or out-of-date stock from the machine and site for disposal.
- Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Adhere to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and frequency, especially for machines vending milkshakes.
Best Practices for Hygiene and Safety
To maintain high standards of hygiene, vending machine owners should implement a regular cleaning schedule that covers food contact parts. Staff should receive proper training to ensure that they clean safely and effectively, without contaminating the machine with cleaning chemicals. Using a separate water source for cleaning and avoiding hand contamination are also important measures to take.
On-site cleaning can be done with hand-hot potable water and detergent, or removable hygiene kits can be used to replace parts and clean them off-site. When cleaning syrup dispense unit parts, brushing in hand-hot water is recommended, as soaking alone is insufficient.
To keep the machine easy to clean, worn food or drink contact parts should be replaced promptly. Additionally, surfaces that come into contact with food should be smooth and easy to clean, and activated carbon or ion exchange filters should be changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
It’s also a good idea to equip the machine with a cut-off mechanism that stops operation when the waste container is full, and to protect food during replenishment to prevent contamination.
In Conclusion
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your vending machines remain hygienic, safe, and legally compliant, providing peace of mind to both your customers and your business.. Visit the AVA website to learn more , or take a look at our vending solutions.