Okay, NOW I'm shaking in my boots. Any last minute tips or pointers? I've cleaned until my fingers are raw, but I certainly don't want to overlook anything. Any advice or tips?

Thanks!
Amy

I have no idea how to help you pass the inspection BUT, get a good nights sleep, eat a decent breakfast and take several deep cleansing breaths. You'll do just fine. You've done everything in your power to be ready now try to relax. Best wishes!

Make sure you have thermomitors in the fridge and freezer. Most people overlook this. also a hand towel dispenser and soap dispenser. Wishing you the best!!!! Tell us how it goes.

RELAX! An inspection really isn't that bad! Honestly...they aren't looking for cleanliness..they are looking for the right temperatures in the fridge and freezer, no expired food products, and hot water. Also, papertowels, hand soap, sanatizer, and making sure you are preparing the food properly. Every inspector I've dealt with has been very helpful and has given me great tips on making things easier...one of them even ordered her daughter's 1st birthday cakes from me! RELAX...it will be okay!!

Don't panic! I haven't been through one yet, but the lady at the NC Dept of Agriculture said that the inspectors are very helpful.

I agree with the previous posts. I found the inspectors are not out to GET you but want to HELP you. Also, they do give you grace to get things right if it's a minor oversight.

Tips ... make sure you have sanitizer and sanitizer test strips. and if you are using bleach as your sanitizer, make sure it has no fragrance.

Also ... don't have steel wool type scrubbing pads (like brillo/S.O.S) because they may leave shards in food. Use the green fiber ones instead.

And hair nets and food service gloves are a must to have in your space.

HTH
Good luck and congrats on PASSING in advance.

-Rezzy

Best wishes and let us know how things go......you will do fine!

I have an inspection coming up and she told me that they will not only check the kitchen but the closest bathroom to your kitchen. They are pretty helpful at the Dept. of Ag. I hope it all goes well. I'm sure it will. Let us know so I can see what to expect!!

First thing I am jealous that your inspector gives you notice mine just pops in for the fun of it. But my tip would be to ask a lots questions. Like I want to make sure that I am doing this right or that right. DO NOT Have any open beverage containers in your workspace!!! This is the thing that every palce I ever worked would always get busted. You have to have a glass witha lid and a straw. No cans 20 oz pops or water MUST have lid and straw. It is just much easier to just have no beverages out though.
and make sure you thermoators are easily found in you units. I once goot wrote up because he had to look in th eback of the fridge. ANd know they have to find something. Even if it is that trivial.
Good Luck!!!

Offer them a piece of cake Who can say no to that!

Well???? How did it go????

I just happened on this thread by chance, so I have a question...Are you guys talking about an inspection at a commercial kitchen? Like a bakery? Or do you bake out of your home and they come to inspect that?

Is that a normal practice? I'm curious because right now I only bake for family and friends. I give everything I make. But eventually I'd like to make cakes for clients and I have no idea what the process is to be able to bake out of your home kitchen.

Thanks,
Alex

i swear it's not that bad.

make sure you have a bottle of bleach near the sink...and those test strips.

I had started another thread to announce, I PASSED!!! I'm now legal!!! WooHoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the encouragement. You know, after the dread and worry, it really wasn't bad at all.

Amy