TRSA’s Efforts Convince Kentucky to Allow Reusable F&B Linens

As a result of TRSA’s advocacy efforts with Kentucky government officials, the linen, uniform and facility services industry scored another victory in the latest release of Kentucky’s Healthy at Work guidance for restaurants. The updated document allows for the use of reusable cloth table linens.

Recognizing the safety advantages that professionally processed linens provide, as well as the opportunity for the practical use of tablecloths in social distancing, the Kentucky Department of Health updated its guidance to read:

“Linens, such as cloth hampers, cloth napkins, tablecloths, wiping cloths, and work garments including cloth gloves, may still be utilized in dining establishments consistent with food service regulations 4-801.11 and 4-802.11. Linens, cloth gloves and cloth napkins are to be laundered between uses to prevent the transfer of pathogenic microorganisms between foods or to food-contact surfaces.”

“We are happy that Kentucky changed its guidance, as tables with reusable cloth tablecloths are known to be at least five times cleaner than bare tables,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “TRSA led the effort by coordinating outreach to policymakers and working with other stakeholders like the Kentucky Restaurant Association. This outcome follows suit with TRSA’s advocacy efforts at the federal level with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on behalf of food-and-beverage operators.”

TRSA is keeping a watchful eye to protect reusable linens as states and localities continue to re-open and release guidance. If you see any guidance against reusables, please contact TRSA’s Vice President of Government Relations Kevin Schwalb at kschwalb@trsa.org.