Bulk Bins in a Retail Store with Tethered Scoops
I work for a company that has some retails sites. NY food law requires us to control cross contamination. The challenge is that customers will use a tethered scoop to one bin and use the same scoop for the other nearby bins. Any ideas where I can find cords that don't stretch past 6 inches? Or how can I source a cord (that doesn't strech) that I can attach to the bins? Thanks!
Stainless steel chain could work as its fixed and easy to clean as well. I would also suggest (if you haven't considered this already) the placement of the materials to be like to like to limit cross contact/contamination.
I like the idea of stainless steel chains as noted above and also while I was over in Brooklyn I was visiting a Pita bread company and they had a couple of deli's set up around the boro's and they use a 3 sided divider that folds out - thus the customer can use the the designated scoop on a chain and the divider prevents pulling the scoop over to another bin - some additional cleaning needed, however it works for them.
Hi vanessafox87,
:welcome:
Welcome to the IFSQN forums.
I quite like nwilson’s solution.
Be interesting to know what range of products you are talking about? I presume the potential cross-contamination is allergen related?
Another question would be if you can take the self-serve option away and pre-pack & label.
Kind regards,
Tony
A solution I've seen in bulk stores is that the dispensing is done by a sort of lever contraption. The customer opens their baggie underneath a chute and then pulls a lever down, dispensing the product into the bag. This means no utensils are required, and the product bin is self-sealing too. It sort of limits you to materials that can flow out of a chute though.
A solution I've seen in bulk stores is that the dispensing is done by a sort of lever contraption. The customer opens their baggie underneath a chute and then pulls a lever down, dispensing the product into the bag. This means no utensils are required, and the product bin is self-sealing too. It sort of limits you to materials that can flow out of a chute though.
I prefer this style. I, personally, will only buy bulk food from these dispensers.
Adding a tether to the scoops is a good step, but dirty hands can still touch the scoop.
The scoop handle can also touch product. Plus, microbes can migrate to from the handle to the scoop.
Dispensers would solve those problems. As a bonus, they're easier/more accessible for customers too! :coffee: