Guidelines for Handling Hot Drinks
In view of damages cases where consumers claim to have suffered scalds as a result of consuming hot beverages being served a retail outlets, The Café Society has produced the following guidelines for outlets:
- Retailers should be fully aware of their duty of care in relation to consumers purchasing products from them. In short retailers have a responsibility to make sure that the consumer is aware that drinks are hot and that they should take care in handling them.
- The Society encourages its members to clearly print warnings about the temperature of drinks either on cups or notices (or both if possible) which are visible to the public.
- Although there is no absolute rule, most coffee outlets using espresso machines serve hot drinks at between 82 and 86°C. This is the correct temperature for serving a good cup of coffee and consumers would not appreciate it if lower temperatures were used. A properly maintained and calibrated espresso machine will control the temperature within this range so that there is less risk of over heating. Operators, therefore, have a responsibility to take steps to ensure that these temperatures are maintained and should, for due diligence purposes, have a system in place for regularly monitoring this position.
- Because of the injuries which can be caused, The Society recommends that members, and indeed the industry as a whole, make sure that machinery is properly maintained and regularly checked to ensure that it is working efficiently and within appropriate guidelines.
- Where cardboard or other cups are used which readily transfer heat, The Society recommends that sleeves or sleeve-handles are fitted before cups are handed to consumers.
- Where carry out cups are used, lids should always be placed securely on the tops before the cups are handed to customers.
- Particular care should be taken in waiter/waitress service of hot beverages to guest tables. Only one tray should be carried at a time, service should not be conducted over the heads of guests, and nothing hot should be put within reach of infants.
The above guidelines are issued as advice only and are issued on the understanding that operators must always ensure the safety of their customers. This document is issued by The Café Society as guidance only.
