5 replies to this topic

[rsuong]

Do employee uniforms have to be laundered by an external party?like cintas.

Can employees take uniform home to laundered themselves?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ryan H.]

Uniforms should be stored in the facility, if possible. The cleaning should be performed by a external party. These would be contractors that would have a specific method of cleaning to ensure it's effectiveness. 

 

Cintas would probably be a good choice based off there website. I would ask them about there cleaning process and whether they can provide you a 3rd party audit report for food service textiles.

[Scampi]

You can launder them in house, but never employees homes. Depending on what you are making, you may need to validate the cleanliness of the uniforms/machines

 

Usually 3rd party suppliers are the easiest (and generally the cheapest) route. You don't have to do the repairs/replacements, etc etc

[012117]

Hi,Rsoung.

the reason behind having it internally or externally (contracted one and as per post #3, never by an employee) is to have standardized approach for all employee and consistent method of consistent of cleaning all year round provided you have verified the procedure before proceeding (in-house or externally). Verified meaning, your chosen contractor or if in case your company does the laundry, have available procedure for washing and drying, the facility is built not to be cause of contamination or risk of contamination, maintenance and calibration of measuring equipment, if applicable, and how is the transport from and to your site, 

[SausageGuy]

Per module 11 of the SQF Code:

 

11.3.8 Laundry

What the SQF Code says

11.3.8.1 Provision shall be made for the laundering and storage of clothing worn by staff engaged in high risk

processes and for staff engaged in processing operations in which clothing can be heavily soiled.

11.3.8 Implementation Guidance

What does it mean?

In high risk areas or facilities where clothing can be heavily soiled, provision must be made for the

laundering of uniforms.

What do I have to do?

Laundering of uniforms can be on-site or off-site, but must ensure that clean uniforms are available for staff at

shift commencement, or when uniforms become soiled.

Change rooms (refer to 11.3.7) are required when clean, laundered uniforms are brought on site and staff

have to change into them. Restrooms are not adequate to be used as change rooms for this purpose.

11.3.8 Auditing Guidance

This element will be audited as part of each site audit through observation and interview with

operational staff. Evidence may include:

 Provision is made for laundering of protective clothing worn by staff;

 Provision is made for laundering of uniforms of staff working in high risk areas;

 Sufficient numbers of clean, laundered uniforms are available.

 

 

 

 

Expect any auditor to want validation and verification of uniform sanitation process with whichever option (intern/external) you choose. I recommend using a contracted company for laundry services (you mention Cintas, that's who we use and we have been happy with them).

[John muendo]

Uniforms should be done either in the facility or by an external person who will ensure that they are risk free to the food and the staff.