How Fly Screens Enhance Food Safety in Commercial Kitchens

Commercial kitchens are a breeding ground for bacteria and germs that can lead to food-borne illnesses such as food poisoning, so following basic food hygiene results is essential when serving the public. Fly screens are a vital part of food hygiene for commercial businesses as they help to prevent insects from contaminating food by transmitting bacteria and microorganisms. 

Understanding the risks

Flies and other insects can cause various risks and hazards in a kitchen environment, contaminating everything they touch. It's not the fly that generates the bacteria but where it has been hanging out. Flies don't just fly around fresh food; they also like rotting animal and plant waste, which carries a range of parasites and pathogens. Flies can then transmit these on their body and feet. They also like to vomit and poo on our food as well.

How fly screens work

Fly screens offer superior protection to fly curtains and chains, as the mesh is held firmly inside the screen, which prevents insects from entering around the edges. We offer a wide range of fly screens at Strip Curtains Direct, including:

• Standard Fly Screen
• Sliding Screen - two independently moving screens providing easy access for opening and cleaning existing windows
• Screen & Sub Frame - ideal for windows where the handle sticks out beyond the frame
• Retractable Ventalite - with a braking device to provide a smooth and gradual retraction of the screen
• Flexi-Con Window Operating System - designed for opening awkward windows
• Chain Winder Fly Screen System - an ideal solution for awkward-to-access windows
• Centre Pivot Fly Screens - designed for windows hinged in the middle, opening both inwards and outwards
• Canopy Box Insect Screens - the best alternative to internal screening, ideal for external roof vents, louvres and centre-pivot windows

Maintaining food safety standards

Some of the critical commercial food safety standards you need to adhere to include the following:

• The Food Safety Act 1990 - covering food hygiene
• The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 - covering kitchen ventilation
• Building Regulations 2000 Part H - Drainage and Waste Disposal (2002) - covering waste disposal
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (Regulation 3) - covering slips and trips
• Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 - gas safety
• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - fire safety
• The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 - covering personal hygiene
• F Gas Regulations 2007/2015 - covering refrigeration
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 - covering equipment maintenance

Regarding fly screens, the Food Safety Agency Guidelines (HSP 9.48 Food Safety and Kitchen Hygiene) states, "Windows and doors that can be opened to the outside must be fitted with insect-proof screens, where necessary."

The importance of food safety in commercial kitchens cannot be overstated, and flies are one of the many pests that can infiltrate the area and put all your hard work to waste. Our range of fly screens suits most windows and will keep flying insects out while allowing fresh air to circulate.

For more information about our fly screens and fly screen doors, and to discover whether they will be suitable for your business, please get in touch with us on 0333 999 7171 or email us at info@stripcurtainsdirect.co.uk.