Guide to Restaurant Sneeze Guards and Food Shields

Check your local sneeze guard regulations

Codes may vary but the general rule is that buffet sneeze guards sit in front of the average customer's mouth (around five feet high for adults) and leave room for the customer to reach the food in the back of the bar.

I recommend: See model specs for buffet sneeze guards from the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Codes often follow the sneeze guard standards created by product certification lab NSF International so one safe way to shop is to look for “NSF Certified” labels.

Choose between ready made or custom sneeze guards

On a tight budget, order sneeze guards and other food shields in ready-made sizes or as part of a package buy for a salad bar. For more sophisticated restaurant design, sneeze guard makers create custom lengths, curves and other looks.

I recommend: Try big restaurant supply houses such as Instawares or ACityDiscount for standard sized sneeze guards.  ADM Sneezeguards, English Manufacturing and Sneezeguard Solutions are sneeze guard specialists that stock ready-mades and do custom work. Check Business.com for more listings of restaurant supply, sneeze guard and food shield vendors.

Choose portable buffet sneeze guards for catering or moveable stations

Portable food guards can be folded and put in storage bags or hung on racks, perfect for catering or other situations in which you move stations.

I recommend: Guards Now! offers a nice selection of portable buffet sneeze guards. The ZGuard sneeze guard modular system can be quickly reconfigured.

Choose the right sneeze guard materials

Glass has a richer look, can be ordered in tempered form to block heat and steam and can be easily cleaned with window cleaner. Acrylic is cheaper, lighter and less breakable but easier to scratch and takes special fluids to clean and protect. Fittings are typically chrome but you can also work with brass or other classier looks.

I recommend: See C. R. Laurence Co. for a wide variety of polished and painted metal fittings or Brassfinders for brass food guard holders.

Choose other forms of food shields

Sneeze guards are one of several types of see-through food guards that you'll need for a cafeteria, buffet or fast-food restaurant where customers get close to the food to order or be served.

I recommend: Check English Manufacturing’s gallery of food guard styles for ideas on glass food shields for pizza, bakery, candy, and other food shops.