Ecolab Launches New Prep-n-Print Food Rotation Program to Reduce Costs and Improve Food Safety

The Prep-n-Print program is an on-demand label system that helps restaurants manage food preparation labeling more efficiently; improve food safety; and reduce errors, food waste and labor costs.

25 May 2010 --- Ecolab Inc. has launched its Prep-n-Print food rotation program at the 2010 National Restaurant Association Show (NRA 2010). The Prep-n-Print program is an on-demand label system that helps restaurants manage food preparation labeling more efficiently; improve food safety; and reduce errors, food waste and labor costs. The program is available through Ecolab's Food Safety Specialties business (formerly Daydots).

Prep-n-Print replaces handwritten food rotation labels with those printed by a lightweight, portable, thermal printer supported by a secure web interface. In pilot tests, restaurants using the Prep-n-Print program reduced their labeling time by an average of 1.5 hours per day, and also significantly reduced training costs and food waste.

"Restaurant managers who tried our Prep-n-Print program gave it a 100 percent rating on ease of use, and more than 90 percent said they would recommend it to other managers," said Paul McGinnis, vice president of Ecolab Food Safety Specialties. Restaurants upload their menus to the Prep-n-Print customer website to create customized ingredient lists for each dish from which food rotation labels can be printed as needed, making labeling more consistent, easier and faster for kitchen staff. Menu updates are processed centrally to ensure standardization and compliance with corporate and local food code guidelines, helping national chain restaurants ensure consistency and food quality. Prep-n-Print labels can also be printed in multiple languages to resolve employee language issues. In addition, technical support, troubleshooting and a "hot swap" program that guarantees overnight delivery of a replacement unit are all available to support the Prep-n-Print program.

"Ecolab Food Safety Specialties has led the industry in developing cutting edge tools foodservice operators need to keep food fresh and safe," McGinnis said. "Our leadership began with Daydots 25 years ago. We are delighted to continue serving the industry with our innovative Prep-n-Print system."