Product QualityWhat Kind of Stuff Should I Buy

Chapter 2Product QualityWhat Kind of Stuff Should I Buy? Chapter OutlineSpecificationsExample SpecificationsLearning ObjectivesUnderstand the importance of a standardized recipe.Identify the consequences of not standardizing recipes.Differentiate between the terms product identification and spec.Identify the most common components of a product specification.Learning ObjectivesDiscuss the difference between quality and wholesomenessDescribe product quality to purveyorsTroubleshoot a product specification sheet and evaluate its comprehensiveness. Standardized recipes are essential. Without standardized recipes you can’t cost out and properly price your menu items. Plus, you will have no quality control for that item.SpecificationsSpecifications give you control in the purchasing processSpecifications describe each item to be purchased Information can be easily shared with purveyorInformation can be easily verified on deliverySpecificationsSpecifications typically includeIntended useExact nameProduct qualityProduct SizeYieldPackagingPreservation and/or processing methodPoint of originProduct colorRipeness or ageProduct formExpiration dateApproved substitutesOther informationSpecificationsIntended UseExactly how the item is to be usedExample: bulk mustard for kitchen use vs. single serving containers for room serviceSpecifications Exact NameNot just “milk”2% fluid milk Non-fat dried milkSoy milkSpecifications Product QualityGood? Better? Best?Higher quality products rate higher on the appearance scaleGood quality products may work if chopped and disguisedCommunicating qualityU.S. government gradesBrand namesYour own definition of qualitySpecificationsProduct Quality (cont.)Packers’ BrandsPacker has created own grading systemSysco (e.g., Sysco Imperial, Sysco Classic)May carry additional information, e.g., type of packagingGovernment GradesVendors must pay for grading serviceCan require a specific government grade or equivalent May need to develop your own “grade” (e.g., fish)Specifications Product SizeExact weightWeight range (example: wholesale cuts of chicken)Count: number of items per pound, ten pounds, per case, etc.SpecificationsYieldDefinition: number of edible (servable or usable) portions in a productAlternative: indicate how much waste or trim you’ll acceptFresh or frozen meats are standardizedObtain product samples and perform yield testsSpecificationsPackagingPoor packaging can compromise qualitySize of container may be importantMethod of packing may be important, e.g., individually wrapped cheese slicesIs recycled packaging important?SpecificationsPreservation and/or Processing MethodStandardsRefrigeratedFrozenCannedUnique types of processingSmoked fishOil-cured olivesSpecificationsPoint of OriginWhere in the world does it come from?Where should it NOT come from?Does the country of origin protect human rights?Does the country of origin protect the environment?SpecificationsProduct Color – enough saidRipeness or AgeWinesMeatsProduceSpecificationsProduct FormCheese in a brick, sliced or grated?Beef pre-cooked or raw?SpecificationsExpiration DatePull datesSell-by datesBest-if-used-by datesFreshness datesSpecificationsApproved SubstitutesMay prevent a stock outDon’t take the purveyor’s wordTest all options yourselfSpecificationsOther InformationTesting and inspection procedures used upon receipt of itemsAmount of annual purchasesDelivery procedures requestedExpected credit and payment termsWhether product should be available to all units of a chainBidding procedures and selection criteriaSpecifications Other Information (cont.)Bid buyingNot always practicalLocked into a contractWhat if you make a mistake?Can you anticipate every problem?Specification Outline:Fresh Produce ProductExact nameIntended useQuality standardProduct sizeYieldSize of containerType of packagingPackaging ProcedureMinimum weight per casePreservation methodPoint of originColorDegree of ripenessProduct formExample Specification:Fresh Produce ProductIceberg Lettuce Used for tossed saladU.S. No. 1 Grade (or equiv)10-pound poly packChopped LettuceFresh, refrigeratedFully ripened Specification Outline:Grocery ProductExact nameIntended useQuality standardProduct sizeDrained weight (yield)Size of containerType of packagingPackaging procedurePacking mediumType of processingColorProduct formExample Specification:Grocery ProductPineapple slices Used for salad bar Dole Brand (or equiv)66 countPacked in No. 10 canPacked in unsweetened pineapple juice Specification Outline:Dairy ProductExact nameIntended useQuality standardProduct sizeYieldSize of containerType of packagingPackaging procedurePreservation methodProduct formExample Specification:Dairy Product Butter Used for customer serviceU.S. Grade AA (or equiv)Butter chips 90 CountChips individually wrapper in moisture-proof, vapor-proof material5-pound waxed boxRefrigeratedSpecification Outline:Egg ProductExact nameIntended useQuality standardProduct sizeSize of containerType of packagingPackaging procedurePreservation methodColorProduct formExample Specification:Egg ProductScrambled egg mix Used on buffet Fresh Start Brand (or equiv) 2-pound moisture-proof, vapor-proof cartonPacked 6 cartons per case Refrigerated liquidSpecification Outline:Poultry ProductExact nameIntended useQuality standardProduct sizeYieldSize of containerType of packagingPackaging procedurePreservation methodProduct formExample Specification:Poultry ProductBoneless, skinless chicken breast, raw Use for dinner entrées Tyson Brand (or equiv)Packed 48, 4-ounce portions per casePacked in moisture-proof, vapor-proof containerLayered in plastic cell-pack insertsFresh frozenSpecification Outline:Fish ProductExact nameIntended useQuality standardPacked Under Federal Inspection (PUFI)Product sizeYieldSize of containerType of packagingPackaging procedurePacking mediumPreservation methodPoint of originProduct formExample Specification:Fish ProductTuna, solid white, albacore Used to prepare tuna salad Chicken of the Sea brand (or equiv) Water packPacked in 66 ½-ounce canPacked 6 cans per caseMoisture-proof caseSpecification Outline:Meat ProductExact nameIntended useQuality standardProduct sizeYieldSize of containerType of packagingPacking procedurePreservation methodPoint of originTenderization methodProduct formExample Specification:Meat ProductNew York strip steakUsed for dinner entréeMeat Buyer’s Guide (MBG) No. 1180USDA Choice Grade (high end) (or equiv)Cut from USDA Yield Grade 2 carcass (or equiv)Dry aged 14 to 21 days12-ounce portion cutIndividually wrapped in plastic filmLayered in 10- to 12-pound moisture-proof caseRefrigeratedSpecification Outline:Beverage Alcohol ProductExact nameIntended useBrand nameSize of containerType of container Preservation methodPoint of originVintageAlcohol contentExample Specification:Beverage Alcohol ProductVodkaUsed for drink service at the barUsed in the service bar’s automatic dispenserSmirnoff brand (or equiv)80 proof1.5 liter, or 1.75 liter, glass bottleSpecification Outline:Nonalcoholic Beverage ProductExact nameIntended useQuality standardSize of containerType of containerPreservation methodProduct formExample Specification:Nonalcoholic Beverage ProductCola: regular, diet, regular-caffeine free; diet caffeine freeUsed for drink service in lounge, service bar, and dining roomCoca Cola brand5-gallon bag-in-the-box packPostmix syrup