Free Raw Meat Station Poster (A4 PDF)

Why you need it

Raw meat and poultry can carry bacteria such as E. coli and Campylobacter. If their juices reach ready-to-eat food, there is no cooking step left to kill them.

FSA guidance on cross-contamination expects separate areas and equipment for raw and ready-to-eat food wherever possible. A sign marks the raw meat area so it is not used for anything else.

What it’s for

A station sign for the raw meat area: raw meat only, dedicated equipment, red if that is your system, no washing of raw meat, poultry or fish, and a clean-down with handwashing afterwards. It also reminds staff to store raw food covered, below ready-to-eat food.

How to use it

1. Fix it at eye level on the wall above the raw meat bench, facing anyone about to start work there.
2. Site the raw meat station as far from ready-to-eat benches as your layout allows, ideally close to a hand-wash basin.
3. Store the red boards, knives and containers at this station, not with other equipment.
4. Laminate it so it can be wiped down with the rest of the area.
5. Show new staff the station on their first shift and explain why nothing ready to eat comes here.