Ever heard of the ‘5-second’ rule? The one that claims it's safe to eat food that's
fallen on the ground, as long as you pick it up within five seconds? Various studies
have debunked that as a myth – and if you’re in the hospitality industry, hopefully,
you’ve never been tempted to test it. In 2025, you certainly can’t afford to take that
risk. Whether it’s a luxury hotel restaurant, a bustling coffee shop, a charming
guesthouse kitchen or a popular takeaway, one thing is non-negotiable in
commercial kitchens: food safety.
South Africans are dining out more frequently. A 2024 Dineplan survey found that
95% of respondents eat out monthly, with 41% doing so weekly or more often.
According to Jeffery Madkins, Marketing Manager at Unilever Professional, this trend
places added pressure on hospitality businesses to uphold the highest food safety
standards. “There’s no room for error when it comes to hygiene, even in the busiest
establishments,” he says, “and it underscores just how essential it is for commercial
kitchens to maintain rigorous food safety protocols.”
The World Health Organisation estimates that 600 million people – nearly one in 10
globally – fall ill after eating contaminated food each year, with 420,000 of those
cases proving fatal. In a hospitality setting, one mistake can put customers and your
reputation at serious risk. The memory of South Africa's listeriosis outbreak from
2017 to 2018, the world’s largest-ever outbreak of the food-borne disease, remains a
stark reminder of the devastating consequences of lapses in food safety.
South Africa has long had regulatory bodies in place, including the Departments of
Health and Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, and the South African
Bureau of Standards, tasked with safeguarding public health through frameworks like
the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act. But the listeriosis crisis highlighted
a critical truth: having regulations on paper isn’t enough. Consistent enforcement, a
culture of accountability and shared commitment to food safety protect consumers.
So how do you ensure your kitchen is part of the solution, not the problem? Madkins
offers four essential steps to safer kitchens in 2025:
1. Start with Surfaces
Bacteria can survive on surfaces for extended periods, making regular and
thorough cleaning essential. In high-traffic hospitality kitchens, this can be a silent
risk. Implement a strict cleaning schedule using commercial-grade disinfectants
like Handy Andy Professional Multi Surface Disinfectant Cleaner to ensure all
surfaces, from countertops to cutting boards, are sanitised multiple times daily.
2. Train, Then Train Again
Food safety protocols are only as effective as the staff enforcing them. Continuous
training ensures that every team member is up to date with the latest safety
standards and procedures. It also builds accountability and reduces errors. Just
as important is knowing how to use cleaning and sanitising products correctly –
from dilution to application – to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety.
3. Temperature is Everything
Maintaining proper food temperatures is critical to preventing bacterial growth.
Refrigerators and freezers should be regularly monitored to ensure they remain
within safe temperature ranges, while hot foods must be kept at temperatures that
inhibit bacterial proliferation. Investing in reliable thermometers and automated
monitoring systems can make this process more accurate and consistent.
4. Use the Right Tools
Not all cleaning products and kitchen tools are created equal. Use equipment and
cleaning agents that meet industry standards for food safety. This includes colour-
coded cutting boards to prevent cross-contamination, food safe disinfectants like
Handy Andy Professional Multi-Surface Disinfectant to clean and sanitise surfaces
between meal preparations, and non-porous utensils that resist bacterial growth.
Handy Andy Professional also provides a range of food safe certified cleaners to
effectively tackle kitchen grease problems, offering reassurance of a hazard and
contamination-free food preparation area.
“Dining out has become part of South African culture and the onus is on hospitality
establishments to uphold and exceed food safety standards,” says Madkins. “In a
competitive market, impeccable hygiene isn't just a regulatory requirement, it's also a
brand promise that fosters customer loyalty and trust. Because in the hospitality
industry, trust is served with every plate,” he concludes.
For more information on how Unilever Professional can support your cleaning needs,
visit https://www.unileverprofessional.co.za/
Sources:
Why and how often South Africans dine out (and how to attract them)
https://www.statista.com/topics/10682/hotel-industry-in-south-africa/
https://www.rutgers.edu/news/rutgers-researchers-debunk-five-second-rule-eating-food-floor-
isnt-safe
ENDS
WORD COUNT: 703
Press Release on Behalf of:
Jeffrey Madkins
Marketing Manager: Unilever Professional
Disseminated by:
Thulisile Mhlongo
PR Account Executive: Say Watt
071 326 9830
About Unilever Professional
Unilever Professional is a trusted partner for businesses in South Africa, offering innovative
and effective cleaning and hygiene solutions. As part of the global Unilever family, Unilever
Professional leverages well-known brands like OMO, Sunlight, Domestos, and Handy Andy
to meet the needs of South African businesses across diverse industries. From hotels and
restaurants to healthcare facilities and office spaces, our products are designed to deliver
superior cleaning power, ensuring a better clean, better business.
Maintaining a safe and clean environment is crucial for a business’s success, Unilever
Professional provides tailored solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable. With
a strong commitment to environmentally friendly practices, our products help businesses
reduce their ecological footprint while upholding top-tier hygiene standards.
Unilever Professional goes beyond just providing products; we offer expert support to ensure
your business can maximise efficiency, reduce operational costs, and maintain an
exceptional level of cleanliness. Whether it’s ensuring spotless surfaces or a monthly deep
clean, Unilever Professional is dedicated to supporting South African businesses with
reliable, sustainable solutions that meet the highest standards.