Eating In The Office Requires Sanitary Conditions
Work piles up. No time for a full lunch break, but just enough for a quick sandwich at the desk. Before unwrapping that sandwich and spreading it out on the desk, think about the last time the area has been cleaned.
By Andrea Nisley
UNL Extension Educator - Family Consumer Science, Dawson County
Work piles up. No time for a full lunch break, but just enough for a quick sandwich at the desk. Before unwrapping that sandwich and spreading it out on the desk, think about the last time the area has been cleaned.
Eating at the desk is a common occurrence. But consider all of the things that happen on a desk. Food should be prepared and consumed on a clean surface. If eating at the desk is a necessity, at least use the wrapping or spread out napkins to assure that the food isn't eaten on the desk's surface.
If consuming food at the office is a regularity consider taking out the trash regularly. If the cleaning service doesn't come every day, than the wasted food build up can put foul, unhealthy smells in the air.
Also, if bringing food to the office have a way to store it. Don't bring a sandwich and let it sit out all morning. Use the refrigerator to store lunches. If using a lunch container, allow it access to the cool air if inside the refrigerator. If there isn't a storage place at the office, bring ice packs to keep food cool inside the lunch container. Avoid putting it on places that bring heat or in front of a window.
Also, if bringing food to the office have a way to store it. Don't bring a sandwich and let it sit out all morning. Use the refrigerator to store lunches. If using a lunch container, allow it access to the cool air if inside the refrigerator. If there isn't a storage place at the office, bring ice packs to keep food cool inside the lunch container. Avoid putting it on places that bring heat or in front of a window.
Clean the area after you eat. Wipe up any spills or messes immediately. This keeps the area clean for future use and keeps smells out of the air. Also, clean coffee cups or other drinking glasses after first use. Don't keep using the same cup all week without washing it.
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