Foodservice businesses are in a dynamically evolving sector, with many opportunities for growth and expansion. Especially in the healthcare sector, foodservice businesses have the potential to deliver delicious, nutritionally balanced meals to thousands of hungry patients, while meeting the stringent food safety regulations required by the health care industry.
For franchisors looking to expand their locations, one of the most significant challenges is to understand local food trends and the various regulations within the healthcare industry that need to be taken into account before starting a foodservice business.
This article seeks to provide a comprehensive guide for those eager to get started in the burgeoning healthcare foodservice industry. Our aim is to provide franchisors and entrepreneurs with an accessible roadmap for understanding healthcare foodservice’s specific regulations, its local market, and potential innovations.
Regulations
In the US, healthcare foodservice is regulated by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These government bodies have extensive regulations for foodservice operators in healthcare.
In order to start a foodservice business in the healthcare industry, operators have to comply with the following regulations:
• CDC food safety plan: A formalized plan that outlines the activities that food handlers and food service workers should take to ensure the safety of the food.
• EPA food contact and non-food grade surfaces: Regulations on surfaces in contact with food and surfaces that are not intended to come into contact with food.
• FDA labeling and recall: Regulations concerning product labeling, packaging, and food recalls.
• HHS health standards: Guidelines for food handling and preparation that must be followed in order to minimize the risk of patron or employee illness.
Food safety is key in the healthcare industry and any lapses may be met with heavy consequences, including fines, legal action, and bad press. It is therefore essential that operators familiarize themselves with the intricate array of regulations required in the healthcare industry prior to commencing operations.
Local Market
When expanding into new markets, franchisors must make sure they have an informed view of the local food scene. What type of cuisine is popular? Who are the key players in the area? How does the local market compare to the national average?
data-driven market research helps franchisors understand consumer habits and tastes in the local market, allowing them to tailor their products and services to fit the demand. Brizo provides access to board and diverse set of data, giving users the insights they need to make informed decisions and curate targeted campaigns. menu data and restaurant tech coverage gives franchisors the opportunity to conduct in-depth research of the local market and adjust their products accordingly.
Innovation
Once a franchisor has familiarized themselves with both the regulations and the local market, they can move on to innovating their products and services. In healthcare, nutrition is especially important, so operators should focus on creating menus that comply with dietary guidelines, while being creative and attractive to patrons.
Technology is another important area for innovation in healthcare foodservice. Operators should take advantage of the latest tech advancements to streamline their operations and enhance their customer experience. Of course, data-driven insights from Brizo can help with launching and optimizing such systems.
Key point
The healthcare foodservice industry is a vibrant and highly regulated sector, filled with opportunity for growth and expansion. This comprehensive guide offers an accessible roadmap for franchisors and entrepreneurs looking to get started in the foodservice industry. It provides an overview of the regulations that must be adhered to, explains the importance of data-led regional market research, and outlines the innovative opportunities within the industry to ensure a successful launch.
