Strategically selecting commercial shelving for your professional kitchen is a fundamental step in achieving compliance and those coveted high inspection marks. In this article, we’ll show you how certain shelving can give your operation a leg up during health inspections, using the Elevation Series by Cambro as our example.
Why Your Shelving Matters to the Health Inspector
Commercial shelving that uses design strategies and materials to address common health inspection pitfalls are gaining attention for a multitude of reasons, starting with enhanced durability.
Health Inspectors Check for Durable Shelving
Overloaded shelves, warped materials, unstable shelving, and questionable structural integrity will quickly catch the eye of any health inspector. Sub-par shelving communicates that the facility isn’t properly maintained and unsafe conditions that lead to product loss and employee injuries aren’t being addressed.
Features That Promote Durability
The Elevation Series is built with heavy-duty reinforced nylon uprights and sturdy shelf brackets designed to support significant weight loads. A secure mounting system and robust materials contribute to a stable storage solution capable of withstanding the rigors of a busy kitchen.
Traditional Shelving Has a Hygiene Issue
The next issue to address is a biggie: hygiene and sanitation. Maintaining clean and sanitary conditions in foodservice environments, including all food contact and non-food contact surfaces, is paramount for passing health inspections.
Traditional metal shelving poses many problems for foodservice operators in their quest for perfect hygiene and sanitation practices. Rust can develop on metal swiftly in high-moisture areas like walk-in coolers, freezers, and dishwashing areas. It is a frequent point of concern for health inspectors because rust particles can flake off and contaminate food.
Additionally, traditional shelving units are susceptible to crevice-harboring bacteria, dirt, grease, and food particles.
Features that Promote Hygiene
Cambro tackled hygiene head-on with the Elevation Series. It is rust- and corrosion-resistant, utilizing durable plastics and aluminum for the wall track. This ensures a longer lifespan for the shelving and eliminates the unsanitary conditions associated with rust. In fact, this shelving has a lifetime warranty against rust and corrosion.
A different feature that produces enhanced sanitation is CamGuard®, an antimicrobial protection permanently molded into the shelf plates. CamGuard® inhibits the growth of bacteria, providing a secondary offense against harmful agents.
Another key feature is its vented shelf design. Ventilation promotes air circulation around stored food items and maintains a more consistent temperature within refrigerators and freezers. Enhanced airflow also minimizes moisture buildup, which can inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria.
Earn Extra Points With Space Optimization
Health inspectors value a clean space with a well-defined use system. However, maximizing vertical wall space and having adaptable shelving systems to accommodate various sizes of food containers and equipment is a common challenge.
Vertical Storage Solutions Features to Wow Health Inspectors
The Elevation Series makes efficient use of available wall space. Its modular design, with various shelf kit sizes and the option of adding pegboards and accessories, allows operators to customize their storage to fit specific needs and utilize vertical space effectively above sinks, prep tables, and other workstations. This highly adaptable system addresses the problem of inadequate storage space and poor organization.
The Gold Standard in Foodservice
NSF certification is widely recognized as a mark of quality and safety in the foodservice industry. It signifies that a product has been independently tested and meets stringent standards for material safety, design, construction (for cleanability), and performance. The Elevation Series carries NSF certification, providing assurance to restaurant owners and health inspectors that it meets recognized standards for hygiene and food safety. This certification instills greater confidence during health inspections.
A Closer Look at Elevation Series Storage Features
The Elevation Series is designed with modular shelving components to allow your wall storage to continuously adapt to the changing demands of your business. Operators can select standard kits or customize their space with individual components and accessories to fit your needs.
Wall Shelving Station Kits
Whether you select the Sink Station Kit, Prep Kit, Task Kit, or all of the above, you are boosting functionality by creating a streamlined, accessible storage solution right where you need it most.
Because these stations utilize empty wall space, placement options are plentiful. Consider installing them over sinks and tables, above equipment, above production and prep areas, as high-up extra storage, above work stations, pick-up and to-go stations, and wherever else you need wall storage your way.
Details:
- Shelf kits are available in four depths ranging from 14” to 24”.
- Available in five lengths ranging from 24” to 48”.
- Station kits have a load-bearing capacity of 400 pounds.
Pegboards
Designed to maximize vertical storage, Elevation pegboards provide a versatile and customizable solution for keeping your essential tools and utensils within arm’s reach. Made from heavy-duty ABS plastic, these pegboards resist bending and denting, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Details:
- Choose from lengths ranging from 24” to 48”.
- Easily customizable with accessories including bins, baskets, bottle holders, and utensil holders.
- Fits seamlessly with existing Camshelving® setups.
Open Shelf Frames
These versatile frames provide a sturdy foundation for creating custom storage sections, Use them for drying racks, general storage, or as part of a larger shelving system.
Details:
- Available in 36″ and 48″ lengths, with depths of 14″, 18″, 21″, and 24″, to fit a variety of kitchen storage needs.
- Designed to work seamlessly with Camshelving® Elevation Series shelf brackets and accessories.
Vented Shelf Kits
Improve air circulation in your kitchen with Vented Shelf Kits. Vented shelves keep your stored items dry and sanitary by allowing air to flow freely around them. Your perishables will thank you.
Details:
- Durable and easy to clean, featuring an extra-strong composite and plastic shelf frame.
- Available in depths of 14″, 18″, 21″, and 24″, with lengths ranging from 24″ to 48″, to suit a variety of storage needs.
- Ventilated design reduces the risk of mold and mildew.
- Includes universal shelf brackets, ensuring a secure and easy installation with Elevation Series’ vertical uprights and wall tracks.
Universal Shelf Brackets
Secure your kitchen shelves with confidence. These sturdy and reliable brackets provide a strong foundation for storing everything from ingredients to kitchen tools. Perfect for creating stable, level shelving.
Details:
- Available in depths of 14″, 18″, 21″, and 24″.
- Capable of handling heavy loads.
- Fits seamlessly with Elevation Series open shelf frames and other accessories.
Vertical Wall Uprights
Build the backbone of your kitchen’s vertical storage with Vertical Wall Uprights. These heavy-duty uprights provide secure and stable shelving. They ensure that your shelving setups remain reliable and adaptable.
Details:
- Available in 15″, 30″, and 45″ heights.
- Made from reinforced nylon for durability.
- Connects easily with Elevation Series wall tracks, shelf brackets, and accessories.
Wall Tracks
This sturdy and non-corrosive aluminum track supports a variety of shelving configurations, allowing you to customize your vertical storage space.
Details:
- Available in 40″ and 56″ lengths.
- Made from heavy-duty, non-corrosive 6063 aluminum, for long-lasting performance.
- Supports a wide range of shelving configurations and accessories.
- Pre-drilled drain holes and wall mounting holes make installation a straightforward process.
Shelf Rail Kits
Keep your items secure from falling off shelves while ensuring a tidy, efficient workspace. Perfect for busy kitchens where safety and organization are paramount, Elevation Rail Kits provide an extra layer of security for your stored items.
Details:
- Available in lengths of 24″, 30″, 36″, 42″, and 48”.
- Prevents items from sliding off shelves for superior organization and enhanced safety.
- Rail kits snap securely onto frames, providing reliable protection with minimal effort.
Drying Rack Shelf Kits
Hold and dry items like sheet pans, trays, and cutting boards. These drying racks offer superior airflow, ensuring faster drying times while keeping your kitchen organized and efficient. Perfect for busy commercial environments, these durable kits dry and store without cluttering valuable countertop space.
Details:
- Available in 36″ and 48″ lengths.
- 36″ kits accommodate up to 20 drying slots, while 48″ kits hold up to 28 slots for sheet pans, trays, or cutting boards.
- Ample capacity.
- Easily attaches to Elevation Series wall tracks and uprights.
Solid Shelf Kits
Solid shelf kits are designed to provide a flat, stable surface for storing a variety of items without slipping through gaps.
Details:
- Available in depths of 14″, 18″, 21″, and 24″, with lengths ranging from 24″ to 48″.
- Features an extra-strong composite and plastic shelf frame, engineered to withstand the weight of heavy items while resisting rust and corrosion.
- Keeps small or irregularly shaped items securely in place.
- Kit includes two universal shelf brackets.
Solve Storage Problems Before the Inspector Arrives
Ultimately, investing in shelving solutions designed with health and safety in mind is a proactive step towards consistently successful health inspections. Shelving systems like the Cambro Elevation Series demonstrate how features such as robust durability, easy-to-clean surfaces that promote superior hygiene, and smart space optimization directly address common inspection points related to proper storage, sanitation, and organization.
Partnered With 
Our Mission: Provide efficient, food safe products for the foodservice industry. Since Day One, our goal has been to design products for foodservice professionals that make their jobs safer and easier. Cambro is a proud American born and bred manufacturing company. Thanks to facilities in California and North Carolina, 99% of Cambro products sold to customers in North America are made in the US.
