L10

Health & Hygiene Guidelines

Topic 1 of 4 7 min

Personal hygiene is not optional at Cassano’s — it is a condition of employment. Health code violations can shut a store down overnight. These rules protect customers, protect your coworkers, and protect you.

Personal Cleanliness

Maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness every shift:

Bathe or shower daily
Use deodorant
Wash your hair and wear clean clothes
You are representing Cassano’s from the moment you clock in — smell and appearance both matter

Handwashing

Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds in these situations:

Before handling food or any utensils used for food
After touching raw meat, eggs, or unwashed produce
After handling trash or dirty dishes
After using the restroom
After touching your face, hair, or phone
Whenever switching tasks

Twenty seconds is longer than you think. Use the full time. Rinse thoroughly, dry with a clean paper towel.

Critical

Improper handwashing is the number one cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurants. If a health inspector sees you skip this step, it goes on the report — and can cost us the inspection.

Hair Restraints

Hair shoulder-length or longer must be tied back at all times
All employees — regardless of hair length or style, including shaved heads — must wear a Cassano’s hat or visor while on the food line
There are no exceptions for hairstyle

Jewelry

Facial piercings: limited to two
Rings: limited to a wedding ring only
Cassano’s may use discretion on any jewelry that poses a food safety or safety risk
No loose jewelry, bracelets, or hanging accessories near food prep areas

Illness Reporting

Do not report to work and immediately notify your manager if you have any of the following:

Fever
Sore throat with cough
Vomiting or diarrhea
Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)

These are Ohio food handler law requirements — they are not suggestions. Working while symptomatic puts customers and coworkers at risk and can trigger a health department investigation.

When in doubt, stay out

If you’re unsure whether you’re too sick to work, err on the side of staying home. Call your manager as early as possible so coverage can be arranged.

Tobacco & Smoking

Tobacco and e-cigarette use are prohibited inside all company facilities
Designated smoking areas may be available, positioned away from the restaurant entrance and food prep areas
See L25 — Smoke Break Policy for the full rules on when and where breaks are allowed

Food & Beverages

Employee food and drinks must be stored and consumed in designated areas only
No eating or drinking at the food prep line, oven station, or anywhere product is handled
Drinks must be in a lidded container if consumed in approved areas

These rules exist because we serve food to real people. A customer who gets sick from something they ate at Cassano’s does not know your name or your situation — all they know is it happened here. Hold the standard.