Exceptional situations and preparedness on food premises

Food business operators must draw up instructions and operating models for exceptional situations and incidents in the food sector. Such situations include recalls, food poisoning suspicions, health hazards and power outages.

Finnish Food Authority’s tips for preparing for short power outages

It is important for food stores and professional kitchens, such as institutional kitchens and restaurants, to prepare in advance for potential short power cuts and to draw up clear instructions for the staff for such situations. A contingency plan and instructions provided for the staff reduce the potential harm to food operations caused by power cuts.

The Finnish Food Authority has put together operating instructions, especially for food stores and professional kitchens, to secure the temperature management of refrigeration units and foodstuffs during a short power outage of approx. 2-3 hours.