Cross Glass Contamination – what are the legalities?

Readers’ Questions

We had an interesting enquiry from a reader regarding the legality of refilling glasses. The reader had been on a cellar course and the trainer emphasised the risk of cross glass contamination by refilling customers’ glasses and the risk of prosecution if they did so. As the general habit was to refill a customer’s glass, they wanted to know the details of current legislation in order to comply.

The Food Standards Act 1990

There is currently no specific law which prohibits the refilling of glasses as long as they are being used by the same customer. However, if someone was to become ill and it could be traced back to your bar then you could fall foul of the Food Standards Act 1990 which states that all food should be served in a clean and hygienic way.

Protecting Your Serve

Lager and font poured products should not cause a hygiene issue as the nozzle should never touch the glass or the liquid within the glass during pouring, but this can cause issues with the look and flavour characteristics of the pint and as such it is frowned upon. It is possible to lower the quality of the beer being served. Added to which, an inexperienced bar person may allow the glass or beer to touch the nozzle and then you are liable to have a potential hygiene and cross contamination issue.

Risks to your Cask Ales

Where you could fall foul of the law is when you serve cask ales through a beer engine. When serving cask beer properly the tip of the sparkler/creamer should touch the bottom of the glass and remain there for the majority of the pour, as such this is coming into contact with bacteria and the residue of bodily fluids within the used glass. This can allow harmful bacteria to be transferred from pint to pint and as such could cause a prosecution and enforcement under the food standards act 1990.

Here to Help

CellarCraft is here to ensure you and your staff are confident in their perfect serve. If you any queries about best practice in cellar and bar management, Just Ask CellarCraft