Do you have to have a sneeze guard in a restaurant?
Rules Regarding Sneeze Guards State and national health regulation laws require that restaurants with buffets, hospital and school cafeterias, portable food carts and self-serve fast food displays have food shields. There are strict regulations regarding installation and utilization of food shields/sneeze guards.
How high should a sneeze guard be placed?
Caterers and restaurant owners should place sneeze guards in a position to protect the food from contaminants coming from the mouth of a customer of average height, usually an average mouth height of 4 1/2 feet to 5 feet.
What is the best material for a sneeze guard?
Durability – Sneeze guards can be fabricated from plastic or glass. Plexiglas and acrylic food shields are less expensive; however they are also much less durable than glass. Also, glass food shields are significantly less susceptible to scratching.
How tall do food guards need to be?
The height of any food guard needs to be tall enough for the average customer, who is between 5 and 6 feet tall. 2. A buffet sneeze guard should blend in with the decor of the restaurant.
What is the best material for a sneeze guard?
Durability – Sneeze guards can be fabricated from plastic or glass. Plexiglas and acrylic food shields are less expensive; however they are also much less durable than glass. Also, glass food shields are significantly less susceptible to scratching. The glass should be thick enough to withstand the additional weight of food items and tempered in the case of accidental breakage.
What is a food shield?
Food shields, also referred to as sneeze guards, are glass or plastic barriers that protect prepared food from bacteria and other air-borne contaminants. Local health departments dictate the regulations that restaurants must follow regarding the use of food shields in their establishments. Virtually all self-service food bars ...
How many shelves does a food shield come in?
With this in mind, consider choosing an option with modular shelving. Stock food shields typically come in 1, 2, and 3 shelf configurations.
Why is NSF important?
Food sanitation and safety regulations are paramount to ensuring the health of consumers. The necessity for a comprehensive and cohesive oversight organization led to the founding of NSF. “Known as ‘The Most Trusted Name in Food Safety’, NSF International has been helping businesses in the agriculture, processing, food equipment, restaurant, and retail industries to navigate the food safety and regulatory environment” since 1944.
How tall do food guards need to be?
The height of any food guard needs to be tall enough for the average customer, who is between 5 and 6 feet tall. 2.
Why do restaurants need food shields?
While its main function is to protect a restaurant’s food from exposure to contamination, a stylish food shield can help actually display your food in a desirable way, adding to its appeal to customers.
What is NSF certification?
NSF certification makes certain that the manufacturer of the product you are using/consuming has met strict standards for public health protection. These standards ensure the safety of the beverages, foods, and consumer products you purchase. NSF standards are not enforced by all health departments.
