A breath of fresh air
Is the air in your establishment stuffy and smoky? Help is at hand from the Airoamer machine, which neutralises unpleasant odours quickly and thoroughly by emitting an array of scents within seconds.
Areas which have proved to benefit most include non-smoking rooms in which guests have smoked and function suites which have been used over the weekend, which need to be refreshed for Monday morning.
De Vere Mottram Hall Hotel near Prestbury has used the Airoamer since the product's launch last year. It finds it effective for removing unpleasant odours such as stale cigar and cigarette smoke.
A particular fragrance can be selected according to your wishes.
The machine can be used in reception areas where aromatherapy fragrances will create a welcoming environment.
Airoamer
Shower curtains with a longer life
Delfin shower curtains from Enfield Polymers features a new coating to repel bacteria, which could last up to 60 washes.
Tests have proved that the coating wards off 60 different types of organisms including bacteria, fungi, mildew, algae, moulds and yeast.
This means the curtains will last much longer, thus saving money.
The new curtains will not leach onto the environment or onto guests' skin during showering.
Available in a variety of designs including the porcelain plain white and the Versailles satin stripe.
Enfield Polymers
Are you complying?
Do you know what HACCP stands for? Are you complying with food safety controls? The Forum of Private Business (FPB) claims that most small food outlets, including pubs and burger bars, are not aware of the need for compliance with food safety controls.
John Golton-Davis, FPB Food Campaign Co-ordinator said: "Ignorance of the law means that many may be penalised, simply because they are not aware of the need to comply. There has been inadequate government promotion of the 'how's and why's' in food safety, of the need for the food industry to widen its uptake of knowledge and guidance in the rapidly changing food rules."
The recognised approach to ensuring compliance with food safety legislation in the UK food industry is based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP). The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is working to widen the use of HACCP as a key to reducing food borne disease. Its target is 30 per cent of businesses operating HACCP by April 2004.
HACCP is a food safety management system, providing a framework to identify food safety hazards and stages in production. A business is expected to look at the food it buys and how it is stored, prepared, cooked and served to ensure that customers are not poisoned.
FPB has been involved in the discussions to provide small businesses with flexibility in the application of the regulations ensuring the safety of food, which is prepared and sold. It has also produced, with the Food Standards Agency, a check list for HACCP monitoring, which helps all food related businesses to comply with hygiene requirements.
A recent EC Directive, states that for small businesses the HACCP principles may be applied rather that the fuller system, once again for reasons of flexibility. The new regulations will replace previous directives, which have laid down burdensome detailed conditions for all operations and for businesses of all sizes.
The Forum of Private Business
Miele machines of choice at student halls
Miele "Professional Partner" Selectric supplied and installed 11 washing machines and 12 tumble dryers at Quadrangle Halls of Residence at Imperial College in London.
Margaret Gaskin, manager of the halls of residence at Imperial College, says: "We needed laundry facilities that are easy to use and durable as it is the first time away from home for many students and they are unfamiliar with how to use a washing machine. We are currently planning a further installation in a neighbouring hall."
Both the Miele WS5425 and WS5426 washing machines are fitted with a Type A airgap, which means they meet the requirements of the Water Supply Regulations.
Miele's T6751 tumble dryers have a 30kg load capacity with 11 different programme options.
The company's laundry products are designed to last 25,000 working hours.
Miele Professional
Hospital hygiene on the rack
Underlining the importance of hygienic storage, St Anthony's Hospital in Sutton, Surrey specified Vynarac racking and storage for this environmentally conscious food service location. The 100% plastic storage system was developed in 1992 for food industry and catering applications: the non-porous surface will absorb neither moisture or bacteria and wipes clean easily.
The modular shelving maintains its strengthdown to temperatures of -40°C making it suitable for coldroom use. With nothing to rot or rust and the availability of four different colours, the shelving may be used for colour-coded zones and in conditions of high humidity if necessary.
Vynarac