This new publication follows on from the FEA guide to decommissioning equipment, which was published as the lockdown began.  “Foodservice operators are making plans for life after the lifting of restrictions,” says John Whitehouse, chair of FEA.  “This guide will help them protect their appliances, hopefully avoiding any nastyequipment-related surprises when they start opening up.”   

The new guide is available to download from the Covid-19 section of the FEA website, which is accessed via the information tab on the home page (fea.org.uk). 

The advice covers a variety of specific areas, ranging from coffee machines and refrigeration to food waste systems and combi ovens.  It also gives general pointers and tips that apply to the kitchen as a whole.  The main general points include:

he guide also highlights the potential risk of legionella, pointing out that any equipment using water should have been flushed through two to three times per week during shutdown.  If this was not done, the equipment should be checked and tested by appropriate, qualified personnel.  (For more information visit hse.gov.uk/legionnaires).