Importance Of Sanitation In Vending Machines

As a vending operator, you must know that it is important to keep the vending machines and surrounding areas clean at all times. After refilling your Planet Antares vending machines, remember to remove all the trash, empty soda cases, boxes and other components. Make sure that the immediate area of the vending machine is well lit and has a covered trash receptacle. Moreover, the area must be protected from overhead leakage or water condensation, waste or sewer piping.

The vending machine should be mounted on a stand so that it is at least 6 inches above the deck. This will make it easier for the vending operator to clean under and around the vending machine. It is imperative to ensure that the surface of the vending machine inside or out is free of dust and not sticky.

Check whether the door and panel to the Planet Antares vending machine and any other opening for food is tightly fit. Any worn out material must be replaced to prevent dust, or any other foreign particles from entering. Workers need to be provided with adequate hand washing facilities near the vending machine.

Vending machines that provide potentially hazardous items must be provided with refrigeration or heating units and possess thermostatic controls to ensure the maintenance of safe food temperatures. Also, automatic controls must be included to prevent the machine from vending food in the event of a power failure or a mechanical failure.

A tight fitting, self closing cover must be provided for the vending stage of a Planet Antares vending machine. Take care that the vending machine exteriors are designed and fabricated in order to minimize the entrance of insects and rodents. Effective screening must be provided for ventilation louvers or openings in the vending machine. For microwave ovens, it is a must to clean the cavities and door edges at least once a day to keep them free of grease deposits and other accumulated soil.

You should also maintain a record of the vending machine operations and keep them with you during inspection and servicing. It is important to provide vending machines and the food contained inside with the same protection as provided by any other food service facility.