Environmental controls protect food, equipment, and people. Track these readings continuously and respond before conditions reach unsafe levels.
Temperature
- Cook, store, and hold food within regulated temperature bands to prevent bacterial growth.
- Verify refrigerators, ovens, and freezers remain within spec to avoid spoilage and compliance issues.
Humidity
- Keep humidity low enough to prevent mold and mildew on surfaces and storage areas.
- Protect staff comfort and safety; excess moisture can create slippery floors and strain HVAC systems.
- Preserve the integrity of dry goods, electronics, and packaging materials.
Air Quality (AQI)
- Monitor high levels of PM2.5, VOCs, or CO₂ that can trigger respiratory issues, headaches, and fatigue.
- Control odors from cooking fumes and waste with proper ventilation.
- Meet local regulatory requirements that mandate air quality monitoring.
Best practices
- Install sensors that track temperature, humidity, and AQI in real time.
- Set alerts for thresholds that signal risk, such as rising CO₂ or PM2.5 levels.
- Maintain ventilation systems and clean or replace filters on schedule.
- Document readings and responses in hygiene audit logs for traceability.