Grab-and-go food is one of the fastest-growing segments of the food service industry. We now see grab-and-go food marketed in schools and colleges, hotels, convention centers, convenience stores, and office buildings.

Reasons for this are many, but key is the fact that many grab-and-go food products are healthy, made using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Some items are also much more adequately labeled, helping to build trust among consumers. And in today’s world, grab-and-go is the perfect way to stay healthy and nourished.

However, retailers should know that proper cleaning plays a significant role in marketing grab-and-go food items and taking advantage of this selling opportunity.

Studies reported by ISSA, the worldwide cleaning association, have found that 6 in 10 fast food customers determine how satisfied they are with a fast-food outlet – and if they will return to that outlet – based on the cleanliness of the grab-and-go food service area.

Because many grab-and-go food items are fast food products and often marketed in kiosks or specific areas of a store, astute retailers should assume statistics like this likely apply to how they market grab-and-go food items as well. We want our customers to have a positive customer experience when selecting grab-and-go food items, and cleaning plays a role in making this happen.

So how can we keep these areas clean? Among the steps are the following:

Keeping contact points clean. If grab-and-go food is marketed in automated kiosks, make sure all high-touch areas, such as buttons to make a product selection, are kept clean on a daily basis. This typically is a two-step procedure. Clean these areas first by using an all-purpose cleaner, then clean them again using a disinfectant. This cleans and then kills contaminants on these high-touch surfaces.*

Doors, shelves, and machine dispensing areas. Treat these areas as high-touch point areas as well. While they may not need to be disinfected on a regular basis, they must be kept clean.

Display areas. As mentioned, shelving, lighting, and all areas where grab-and-go food items are displayed should be kept clean; making sure to remove any debris that may have fallen to the bottom of the display. Side Note: some grab-and-good food retailers report that they can more efficiently market their grab-and-go food items when they are placed in the same area every day. Customers do not like searching for their favorite food items.

Clean up spills promptly. Retailers should always be prepared for spills, such as coffee or soda, because they can happen just about any time. To address this problem, DayMark has introduced SafetyApplied Absorbent Spill Pads . These pads quickly absorb liquid splatters, in many instances without the need to use a mop. The store manager of an Ohio sports eatery reports that these pads have been instrumental in efficiently cleaning up messes. “They are really effective for blocking the spill off right away and taking up the spills,” says the manager, adding that the pads can be easily disposed of when finished.

Floor mats. Some retailers install floor mats in grab-and-go food service areas along with other food items. Mats should always be vacuumed and kept clean throughout the day. In some cases, it might be wise to work with a linen service that replaces these mats on a set schedule. This will ensure that a clean, fresh mat is almost always installed to welcome your customers.

Trash containers. Never allow trash containers to become overfilled. Keep the entire container clean, inside and out, and line it with a plastic liner for easy disposal. Side Note: Always add a recycling trash container. Studies indicate consumers appreciate businesses that focus on green and environmental issues.

Floors and other surfaces. All floors in the grab-and-go food area should be thoroughly cleaned at least once per day, more often in a busy location. And while the following areas must be monitored for cleanliness throughout the day, at least once per day, clean and disinfect all chairs, benches, counters, railings, and other surfaces in the grab-and-go food service area.

For more information on ways to market grab-and-go food products, keeping grab-and-go food service areas clean, contact a DayMark Safety Systems Representative at 866-517-0490

*The disinfectant may need to “dwell” on the surface a few minutes before wiped away.