There’s some foodservice equipment out there that really, truly gives operators the best of both worlds. Sneeze guards are one such example. They are shields typically made from tempered glass or acrylic plexiglass that are attached to plastic or metal posts and permanently fixed or temporarily placed onto food serving stations. But where they really shine is in their dual ability to keep food protected from direct customer contact, while still allowing diners to easily view the tasty lasagna, zesty Caesar salad or creamy tomato basil soup on your buffet or cafeteria line. But there’s more to the sneeze guard story. Let’s take a deeper look at what this foodservice equipment type is doing for operations today and why it’s absolutely worth the investment.
Why are sneeze guards important?
Ever seen a fastpitch baseball zoom toward a readied batter at home plate? That baby can move at an average of 94 to 95 miles per hour (mph), even reaching speeds of up to 100 mph in the most exceptional cases. Think about that incredible speed and force — and now, apply it to the foodservice world.
A human sneeze can reach that same fastball speed (and up to 25 feet in distance) while spreading over 100,000 respiratory droplets (aka, germs) along the way. Introduce food in its pathway and we are talking about some major ick-factor. Now of course, that’s the extreme scenario. But even just two friends shooting the breeze can send germs flying through the air toward the food on your buffet line. The good news? Add a sneeze guard to the equation and your food is safe from each passing sneeze, cough or friendly conversation along the way.
When should you use sneeze guards?
By this point, we’re no strangers to seeing sneeze guards in action. Due to their ability to help mitigate the spread of bacteria and viruses, they are a regular sighting in checkout lines, doctor’s offices and really any place where face-to-face contact is likely. They’re a great option to limit people-to-people exposure, but they also play a critical (and often required) role in various food safety scenarios.
Most state and local health departments require sneeze guards whenever unpackaged, ready-to-eat foods are out in the open. So, while you won’t need to set up a sneeze guard for your Nana’s invite-only birthday party (although, not a bad idea), operations often have to provide them for buffets, cafeteria lines, salad bars, catering gigs or whenever food is openly displayed and within direct customer reach.
That said, there are nuances to keep in mind. For example, a bakery with pastries out in the open is still in good food safety standing without a sneeze guard if the goodies are far enough behind the counter where respiratory droplets can’t reach them. Additionally, food that is employee monitored, such as pizza samples at a grocery store or hors d'oeuvres at a catered party, also doesn’t typically require a food safety shield. You’re welcome to use one (and your guests may appreciate it), you’re just not necessarily required to do so. Again, be sure to check out your state and local requirements.
Where should you position sneeze guards?
When thinking about sneeze guards, it’s only natural to come up with a Star Trek® parallel (well, at least that’s what we tell ourselves). So here it is — where would the Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise® be with a poorly placed deflector shield?
Not in a very good place!
The same is true with a protective barrier for food. For your sneeze guards to be effective, they need proper placement.
Because of this truth, whenever sneeze guards are required, specifications from the state or local health department regarding their placement typically follow. For instance, most laws require sneeze guards to be installed at a defined height above the food. In addition, the width of the glass needs to reach a certain point on one or both sides (depending on the operation’s setup) of the foodservice counter to be in compliance. On top of that, it’s important to pay attention to what foodservice environment the sneeze guards are in. An elementary school with three-foot-tall kiddos coming through the service line is much different than if you're operating a weekend brunch buffet serving mostly adults. As mentioned earlier, always check with your state and local health department for the requirements your operation should follow.
What type of sneeze guards are there?
Every establishment has varying needs; what works for one operation might not for the next. Thankfully, sneeze guards come in many sizes, shapes and configurations. Do you operate a full-service university dining hall? No problem. A permanently fixed sneeze guard with four sheets of protective glass, like Hatco’s Flav-R-Shield™ Full-Service Pass-Over Sneeze Guard, would work perfectly for serving up delicious meals to famished college students. Or does your casual dining restaurant put on a spectacular Mother’s Day brunch buffet once a year? It might be beneficial to look into a portable sneeze guard option such as Hatco’s Flav-R-Shield™ Portable Sneeze Guards for that yearly (and tasty) event. Whether portable, fixed, self-serve or full-service there’s at least one type of sneeze guard that’s sure to fit the demands of your operation.
The importance of effective food safety barriers
A major priority of any operation is the safety and wellness of its customers and staff. And a big part of this is your ability to keep your food safe and sanitary. Investing in effective protective equipment like sneeze guards is one simple step to ensure your operation does just that. Diners find peace of mind when they walk into a clean establishment with proper health protocols and measures in place. Using sneeze guards is a great way to put your best foot forward and solidify your sparkling clean reputation.
Invest in quality equipment.
There’s always great value in choosing quality equipment, and investing in the right sneeze guard is no exception. If your operation is just exploring sneeze guards for the first time or you’re looking to upgrade your current guards, be sure to check out all the quality options Hatco has to offer.
