Food Safety First

Your health and safety are our top priorities. Learn about our comprehensive food safety standards and best practices.

Our Commitment to Food Safety

At What's Cooking, we believe that exceptional food experiences should never compromise on safety. Our platform connects you with talented home cooks and professional chefs who share our commitment to the highest food safety standards.

Every cook on our platform undergoes thorough vetting and training to ensure they meet our rigorous food safety requirements. We've developed comprehensive guidelines based on industry best practices and health department regulations.

Food Safety

Our Food Safety Standards

Comprehensive protocols to ensure your safety and peace of mind

Certified Training

All cooks complete food safety certification courses covering proper handling, storage, and preparation techniques.

Kitchen Inspections

Regular virtual and in-person kitchen inspections ensure compliance with cleanliness and safety standards.

Documentation

Comprehensive record-keeping of ingredients, preparation methods, and safety protocols for every meal.

Quality Assurance

Continuous monitoring and feedback systems to maintain the highest quality and safety standards.

Food Safety Guidelines

Essential practices that every cook on our platform follows

Personal Hygiene

✓

Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds

✓

Use of clean aprons, hair restraints, and appropriate clothing

✓

No cooking when experiencing illness symptoms

✓

Proper wound care and coverage when handling food

Food Handling

✓

Separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetables

✓

Proper thawing techniques - never at room temperature

✓

Immediate refrigeration of perishable foods

✓

First In, First Out (FIFO) inventory rotation

Temperature Control

✓

Use of calibrated food thermometers for accurate temperature readings

✓

Cook poultry to 165°F, ground meat to 160°F, whole cuts to 145°F

✓

Keep hot foods hot (above 140°F) and cold foods cold (below 40°F)

✓

Limit time in the "danger zone" (40°F - 140°F) to 2 hours maximum

Kitchen Sanitation

✓

Clean and sanitize all surfaces, utensils, and equipment regularly

✓

Use approved sanitizing solutions and follow proper concentrations

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Maintain clean dish towels and replace frequently

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Proper pest control and waste management procedures

Allergen Management

We take food allergies and dietary restrictions seriously. Our platform requires all cooks to clearly identify potential allergens in their dishes and follow strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination.

Our Allergen Protocols Include:

  • Comprehensive ingredient disclosure for every dish
  • Separate preparation areas for allergen-free cooking
  • Dedicated utensils and equipment for allergen-sensitive meals
  • Clear labeling and communication with customers
  • Regular training on allergen awareness and management
🥜 Nuts
🥛 Dairy
🌾 Gluten
🥚 Eggs
🐟 Fish
🦐 Shellfish
🍯 Soy
🌰 Sesame

Our Verification Process

How we ensure every cook meets our safety standards

1

Application Review

Comprehensive background check and review of cooking experience and qualifications.

2

Food Safety Certification

Completion of accredited food safety training and certification program.

3

Kitchen Inspection

Virtual or in-person kitchen assessment to verify safety standards and equipment.

4

Ongoing Monitoring

Regular check-ins, customer feedback review, and continued education requirements.

Emergency Procedures

In the unlikely event of a food safety concern, we have established clear procedures to address the situation quickly and effectively.

Immediate Response

24/7 emergency hotline for immediate food safety concerns and medical emergencies.

Investigation

Thorough investigation of the incident with cooperation from health authorities when necessary.

Corrective Action

Implementation of corrective measures and additional training to prevent future incidents.

Emergency Contact

24/7 Hotline: 1-800-SAFE-FOOD
Email: safety@whatscooking.menu
Response Time: Within 1 hour

Additional Resources

Learn more about food safety from trusted sources

FDA Food Code

Comprehensive guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for food safety practices.

Learn More

ServSafe Certification

Industry-leading food safety training and certification program recognized nationwide.

Get Certified

Temperature Guide

Quick reference guide for safe cooking temperatures and food storage guidelines.

Download Guide