Exeter Restaurant Hygiene: 10 Common Issues We See (and Fix)
Why Hygiene Matters in Exeter Restaurants?
Exeter’s dining scene is thriving, with everything from cozy cafés to fine dining destinations. But one factor can make or break a restaurant’s reputation: hygiene. A single lapse can damage customer trust, lead to low Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) scores, or even trigger closure.
At Black Belt Cleaning Co., we specialize in helping Exeter restaurants spot hygiene risks early—and fix them before they become problems. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 most common hygiene issues we encounter locally and how our services keep restaurants safe, compliant, and customer-ready.
1. Poor Hand Hygiene Among Staff
Staff skipping handwashing between tasks is one of the fastest ways germs spread. Many kitchens still lack proper wash stations or enforce weak hygiene rules.
Solution: Install proper sinks, provide antibacterial soap, and train staff consistently.
2. Inadequate Cleaning of Kitchen Surfaces
Grease build-up and food residue create hotspots for bacteria. Rushed cleaning during busy service hours makes things worse.
Solution: Structured cleaning schedules and food-safe sanitizers ensure prep areas are always safe.
3. Improper Food Storage and Temperature Control
Storing raw meat above ready-to-eat foods or running fridges at the wrong temperature can cause serious contamination risks.
Solution: Label foods clearly, check fridge/freezer temps daily, and use sealed storage containers.
4. Cross-Contamination Between Raw and Cooked Foods
We frequently see cutting boards and utensils used for both raw and cooked items—a major hygiene breach.
Solution: Color-coded boards and knives prevent mistakes and ensure safer prep practices.
5. Pest Control Problems
Rodents, flies, and cockroaches aren’t just a health hazard—they’re a customer dealbreaker. In Exeter, pest issues often trace back to poor waste management.
Solution: Regular inspections, sealed food storage, and strict bin hygiene keep pests at bay.
6. Dirty or Damaged Kitchen Equipment
Cracked chopping boards, rusty pans, and greasy ovens harbor bacteria. These worn tools are harder to clean and pose a daily risk.
Solution: Replace damaged equipment and perform regular deep cleans.
7. Poor Waste Management
Overflowing bins and food scraps left overnight attract pests and create unpleasant smells.
Solution: Empty bins frequently, clean them daily, and separate waste responsibly.
8. Unclean Restrooms and Customer Areas
Customers often judge a restaurant’s hygiene by its restrooms. Dirty toilets or sticky floors can ruin an otherwise perfect dining experience.
Solution: Schedule hourly restroom checks and include front-of-house hygiene in staff training.
9. Staff Not Wearing Protective Clothing
Aprons, gloves, and hairnets reduce contamination—but we often see them ignored.
Solution: Enforce proper PPE policies and provide comfortable, durable gear.
10. Inconsistent Cleaning Schedules
Without a rota, tasks get missed, especially in busy kitchens.
Solution: A structured cleaning checklist with assigned responsibilities ensures nothing is overlooked.
If you’ve spotted any of these issues in your own restaurant, Black Belt Cleaning Co. can help. Our Exeter hygiene team provides swab testing, EHO-style audits, deep cleans, and re-tests to keep you compliant and confident.
Benefits of High Hygiene Standards
✔ Happier customers – spotless spaces build trust.
✔ Higher FHRS scores – achieving 5★ ratings protects your reputation.
✔ Fewer risks – avoid fines, bad reviews, or forced closures.
FAQs on Exeter Restaurant Hygiene
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Every 6–18 months depending on risk level.
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Yes - 38% of diners say hygiene ratings influence where they eat.
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Professional hygiene audits, ATP swab testing, and targeted deep cleans.
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Absolutely. Our EHO-style walkthroughs mimic what inspectors look for.