A new federal standard (ASTM F404-18) has been developed by ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials), and approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), to improve the safety of high chairs in the United States. This regulation is in effect on all high chairs manufactured or imported after June 19, 2019.
The new mandatory standard ensures that high chairs meet requirements for stability and restraint systems, as well as include warning statements printed on high chairs about how to avoid fall hazards.
Changes to the standards:
Rearward stability (to prevent the chair from tipping over backwards)
Better warning labels about tipping hazards
Requirements for a passive crotch restraint
Requirements for an active three-point restraint system
Product registration for potential recall notifications
The standards apply to high chairs manufactured both in the US and those imported from abroad. Any high chair manufactured or imported after June 19, 2019 that does not comply with ASTM F404-18 will be against regulation.
How will the regulation be enforced and what are repercussions of not complying?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has jurisdiction over the enforcement of any violations of the new high chair regulation. Fines can range from $8,000 to $100,000 per violation (per chair), with a maximum for a series of violations ranging from $1.8M to $15M, based on seriousness.
Top foodservice equipment manufacturers and distributors are aware of the new regulations and are ready to help foodservice operators comply with new regulations and continue to succeed in business.
Rubbermaid’s Microban Sturdy Chair has a sleek look with a variety of colors available. They are easy to clean, Microban protected from bacteria, and comply with FDA and ASTM F404-18 standards.
G.E.T. declares their new high chairs “The Safest Seat in the House”, and the new design includes a 3-point strap harness, recessed warning label, permanent center T-bar, extra secure bolt point on back, reinforced side bar, upgraded hardware, and sturdy anti-tip leg base.
Adcraft made changes to their high chair design. The changes they made comply with the new safety regulations with active 3-point restraint, permanent T-bar, warning labels, and rearward stability.
These are just a few examples of manufacturers that can help foodservice professionals with high chair safety issues and new requirements and regulations. Contact your dealer consultant for assistance.
Available in 36”, 48”, 60”, and 72” sizes, the Southbend Platinum Wood Smoker units are built with heavy duty stainless steel to last for years.
And this smoker has performance to match! 16,000 BTU burners light up the smoker to provide just the right amount of heat using high/low control knobs. Removable cast iron grates give the operator flexibility to adjust the front-to-back slope that flip over for a different width.
See how many features the Southbend Wood Smoker has:
Available in 36″, 48″, 60″ and 72″ sizes
16,000 BTU burners with high/low control knobs
Removable cast iron grates with adjustable front-to-back slope that flip over for either 1/8″ or 1/4″” grid width
600°F even surface temperature on high setting
Stainless steel burner radiants
9-1/4″” front rail
Removable drip tray
Stainless steel front and sides
1-1/4″ front gas manifold and 1″rear gas connection
5″ high stainless steel flue riser
Available with adjustable legs or casters
Stationary wood rack standard.
All sectional units must have flue risers. These must be ordered with the original equipment order.
The Everest Blizzard R290 is an industry first, all-in-one, slide-out cooling cartridge that is fully detachable, self-contained condensing unit.
If temperatures rise and brazing is required, Everest will send a replacement condenser cartridge on qualified units. Once received, the process of replacing the cartridge can be done in 30 minutes. Just slide the old one out and slide the new one in. No brazing, no hassle.
The Blizzard R290 is the central hub of Everest products, meaning increased lifespan of your refrigeration equipment. Think about it, the replacement of the condensing unit virtually means a new machine. It’s equipped with a built-in sensor that measures the condenser coil temperature and provides audio and visual alerts on high ambient temperature conditions. Everest incorporated the sensors to prolong compressor life and promote fire safety.
Another welcome feature is the auto-reverse fan keeps the compressor cool and the condenser coil clean. The Blizzard is virtually maintenance free!
The Blizzard uses R290 natural hydrocarbon refrigerant with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and low Global Warming Potential (GWP). It’s an effective alternative to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants without the harmful effects to the environment. Higher thermal conductivity of R290 refrigerant means faster cooling and less compressor run time. The Blizzard R290 is applicable to all of Everest Refrigeration’s product lineup.
See the video below for an in-depth look at the Blizzard R290:
There is no better time than to look at investing in a Vollrath Contoured Carving Station! It has solid construction, functionality, and a beautiful design will take your buffet line to a whole new level!
Features:
Attractive Carving Station with lamps for additional heat while serving
Heavy-duty steel frame, chrome-plated
Stylish solid surface base and top
Clear tempered glass customer breath guard
Knife-friendly, dishwasher safe NSF Certified cutting board included
Use only Vollrath 250 watt infrared replacement bulbs: 72242 white or 72241 red
Spun aluminum shades for heat dissipation
Recessed base channels liquids into removable drip pan
Super Pan V fourth-size drip pan included
Rubber feet provide stability and protect tabletop
On/off lighted switch on base
6 ft. cord with plug
Watch as Chef Rich demonstrates the features that you have come to expect from Vollrath:
A huge priority in any kitchen should be the safety of the operators. That is why a Cambro has taken on the challenge of improving safety in the kitchen workplace, by introducing the StoreSafe brand. StoreSafe offers a wide variety of different products that not only get the job done right, but provide the operator with safety as well.
The video below explains 5 steps to food safety, and how to prevent the risks of cross-contamination by using StoreSafe products:
Coldzone has recently announced their Dual-Pak Multi-Refrigerant Condensing Units for walk-in cooler and freezer applications.
These units feature a 70°F floating head pressure control valve and an integral subcooling circuit that allows saturated liquid to flow from the receiver to the condenser where the refrigerant is subcooled by ambient air. This provides an average of 3 to 5°F of subcooling for higher operating efficiency while assuring optimal expansion device operation. Every unit features an accessible control panel and easy access to refrigerant valves.
Perfect for a variety of culinary establishments, the Doyon LSA520 meets expectations for sheeting of delicate products. Using a heavy duty 3/4 HP motor, this sheeter can produce dough thickness from 1/32” to 1/2”. The counter top model also has a removable and adjustable conveyor, and folds up for compact storage and easy cleaning!
Features:
Forward and reverse action with digital 20 speed control. Ideal for delicate products.
Heavy-duty, maintenance-free 3/4 HP motor
High precision sheeting, producing more homogeneous dough with a thickness of 1/32″ (1mm) to 1/2″ (40mm).
Sheeting rollers, lower scraper, dough collector and flour container
Security bars for accident prevention
Wheel mounted with quick locking device and anti-vibration feet
Counter-top model with removable and adjustable conveyor; folds up for compact storage and easy cleaning
Skillets are one of the most versatile pieces of cooking equipment in the kitchen, having the ability to grill, braise, and steam everything from rice and vegetables, to soups and sauces.
With the Cleveland Braising Pan: Power Pan Series, you will find a multitude of features built-in. Features like the “splash-proof” solid state temperature controls, allowing for easy cleaning, and a precise temperature control. All Cleveland Braising Power Pans feature an exclusive high-efficiency heating system that gives the operator fast and even heating distribution. They also are built with durable stainless steel to allow for heavy use in a commercial kitchen environment.
These are just a few of the features that you can expect when purchasing a Cleveland Braising Pan: Power Pan Series.
Features:
Exclusive Ultra Efficient Power Burner (Forced-Air) Gas Combustion System with Automatic Ignition
Exclusive Dual Power Settings:
90,000 and 125,000 Btu for 30 gallons, 160,000 Btu and 200,000 Btu for 40 gallons provides superior heat-up and recovery.
Open base design for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Low 35″ rim height for easy operation and cleaning.
Splash Proof Controls and construction.
5/8″ Stainless Steel Bead Blasted cooking surface prevents warping and keeps food from sticking.
Easy-to-turn manual hand tilt. Optional power tilt with manual override available.
Gallon/Liter Markings and Vented Spring Assist Cover standard.
Available in 2, 4, 6, and 8 burners, the Southbend Heavy Duty Open Top Counterline range features solid, heavy-duty cast iron grates designed for medium to heavy duty applications. 33,000 BTU burners give you unsurpassed durability with a lifetime guarantee against clogging.
Step-up models provide additional flexibility when working with skillets, and are available on 4, 6 and 8 burner models.
Features:
33,000 BTU cast-iron burners with lifetime guarantee against clogging
All stainless steel construction
Heavy-duty cast iron split grates, flush top design
4″ Stainless steel legs standard
Fully insulated for zero clearance
Full-width crumb tray
Optional equipment stands
Optional 2″ high insulator base for mounting on refrigerated base
Vollrath’s Hot/Cold Drop-Ins offer flexibility to foodservice professionals to create new menu trends and serving applications.
Changing from a cold salad bar to a hot buffet or a hot/cold combination bar couldn’t be easier! Each well has its own thermostatically controlled switch that can be flipped up for hot and down for cold. When it comes to flexibility in menu and location, this unit rolls with you. It comes equipped with a 6-foot cord and plug and does not require hard wiring. They are available with 1, 2, 3, or 4 individually controlled wells.
Features:
Top and seamless well are 18-gauge, 300 series stainless steel.
High-density polyurethane foam insulation surrounds the well exterior for the ultimate in efficient performance and energy savings.
The wells pass NSF 4 and NSF 7 performance testing for open top hot food holding and refrigerated buffet units.
Listed under NSF/ANSI 169 for special purpose food equipment and devices and use 513A refrigerant.
Check out the video below to see Chef Rich examine the features in detail:
A new federal standard (ASTM F404-18) has been developed by ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials), and approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), to improve the safety of high chairs in the United States. This regulation is in effect on all high chairs manufactured or imported after June 19, 2019.
The 
There is no better time than to look at investing in a 
A huge priority in any kitchen should be the safety of the operators. That is why a Cambro has taken on the challenge of improving safety in the kitchen workplace, by introducing the 
Coldzone has recently announced their Dual-Pak Multi-Refrigerant Condensing Units for walk-in cooler and freezer applications.
Skillets are one of the most versatile pieces of cooking equipment in the kitchen, having the ability to grill, braise, and steam everything from rice and vegetables, to soups and sauces.
Vollrath’s Hot/Cold Drop-Ins offer flexibility to foodservice professionals to create new menu trends and serving applications.