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Hi there, I'm Jarvis! I see you're looking at the Utility Tongs | Allergen Purple Kitchen Tongs | Anti-Cross Contamination Tool | Mercer Culinary CL697. How can I help you with the technical specs or suitability for your business today?

Jarvis is an AI assistant and may occasionally provide incorrect details. To ensure your equipment fits and functions perfectly, we recommend verifying all critical specifications-including dimensions, power requirements, and compatibility-with our expert sales team prior to purchase.For orders or stock, call 0333 355 0535

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Mercer Culinary Out of Stock

Utility Tongs | Allergen Purple Kitchen Tongs | Anti-Cross Contamination Tool | Mercer Culinary CL697

SKU: CL697
£9.14 / exc vat
£10.97/ inc vat

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  • HACCP Compliant Purple Colour
  • One-Piece Construction
  • Glass-Reinforced Nylon
  • Heat Resistant to 220°C
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Features Overview Specifications Case Study Reviews Installation Buying Guide FAQ

Product Overview

Here’s a brilliant bit of kit that’s less of a tool and  more of a promise to your customers. These are the Mercer Culinary CL697 allergen purple kitchen tongs, designed from the ground up to make food allergen handling simple and  safe. Crafted from tough, glass-reinforced nylon, they’re the dedicated utensil your kitchen needs to prevent dangerous cross-contamination and  show you’re serious about safety.

Perfect for any professional kitchen, from bustling school canteens and  high-street cafés to hospital catering units and  busy restaurants. If you serve customers with allergies or specific dietary requirements, these tongs are non-negotiable. The distinct purple colour is part of the industry-standard HACCP system, making it instantly clear to all your staff that these are for 'free-from' foods only, cutting out guesswork and  reducing the risk of a serious mistake.

Featuring a clever one-piece construction for ultimate hygiene, these tongs are also heat resistant up to 220°C and  completely dishwasher safe. They won't scratch your precious non-stick pans, either. Investing in these commercial allergen safe tongs isn't just about compliance; it's about building trust and  serving every single customer with confidence and  care.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • HACCP Compliant Purple Colour: Instantly identifies the tool for allergen-free food handling.
  • One-Piece Construction: Leaves no gaps for food and  bacteria to hide in.
  • Glass-Reinforced Nylon: Incredibly durable yet won't scratch your non-stick cookware.
  • Heat Resistant to 220°C: Safely handle hot food straight from the pan or oven.
  • Stain & Odour Resistant: Prevents flavours and  colours from transferring between uses.
  • Dishwasher Safe: Makes end-of-service cleanup quick, easy and  hygienic.
  • Lightweight Design: Comfortable to hold and  use, even during the longest shifts.
  • NSF Approved: Certified to meet public health standards for professional kitchens.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Mercer Culinary
  • SKU: CL697
  • Material: Glass-Reinforced Nylon
  • Dimensions: 240(L) x 90(W) mm
  • Weight: 50g
  • Colour: Purple (Allergen)
  • Heat Resistance: Up to 220°C / 430°F
  • Certifications: NSF Approved, HACCP Compliant
  • Features: Dishwasher Safe, Safe for Non-Stick Cookware

Expert Review and  Insights

In today's world, allergen safety is paramount, not just a box-ticking exercise. These tongs from Mercer are a simple, effective solution. They’re not fancy, but they’re robust, the colour-coding is unambiguous, and  the one-piece design is a massive plus for hygiene. They do one job, and  they do it exceptionally well, providing peace of mind for both chef and  customer.

Sophie Brooks – Chef Tools View Profile →

  • Practical & Safe: The single-piece build feels solid and  is incredibly easy to keep clean.
  • Firm Grip: Being solid nylon, they lack the delicate touch of silicone-tipped tongs.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Copper Kettle, a busy tearoom in York, decided to overhaul its allergen process after noticing a rise in requests for gluten-free options. They needed a foolproof system their small team could rely on during hectic lunch rushes.

"Introducing clear, colour-coded utensils like these purple tongs has been brilliant. The staff are more confident, and  our regulars with allergies have told us how much they appreciate the visible effort we're making. It builds so much trust."

Robert Miller – Owner, The Copper Kettle

The change helped them confidently expand their 'free-from' menu, leading to a noticeable increase in 5-star reviews mentioning their excellent allergen awareness.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Always wash thoroughly in hot, soapy water or a dishwasher before first use.
  • Designate a specific hook or container for your purple tongs, away from other utensils.
  • Brief your team: ensure everyone knows purple is strictly for allergen-free food.
  • Incorporate them into your official HACCP plan documentation.

Keeping It Going

  • These tongs are fully dishwasher safe for easy and  effective sanitation.
  • Hand wash using a non-abrasive sponge to maintain their condition.
  • Regularly inspect for any signs of damage or wear and  replace if necessary.
  • Always store them separately to prevent any risk of cross-contamination.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Kitchen Utensils

Not sure what to look for? Here’s a quick guide to picking the best utensils for a professional kitchen.

Material Matters

Choose the right material for the job. Nylon and  silicone are great for non-stick surfaces, while stainless steel offers maximum durability for heavy-duty tasks.

Purpose-Driven Design

General-purpose tools are fine, but specialised items like these food allergen handling tongs prevent costly errors and  improve kitchen workflow.

Check Heat Resistance

If you're working with ovens, grills, or hot hobs, make sure your utensils are rated to handle the heat without melting or warping.

Prioritise Easy Cleaning

Look for one-piece construction. Fewer seams, joins, and  crevices mean there are fewer places for bacteria to hide, making cleaning faster and  more effective.

Look for Certification

NSF approval is the gold standard for commercial kitchenware. It's an independent guarantee that the product is safe, durable, and  fit for professional use.

See all Kitchen Tongs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these tongs flexible like silicone ones?

A: No, they are made from a firm, glass-reinforced nylon. This makes them very sturdy and  durable, but they do not have the flexibility of silicone.

Q: What does 'HACCP compliant' mean for this specific product?

A: It means the distinct purple colour aligns with the industry-standard, colour-coded system used to segregate utensils and  prevent allergen cross-contamination.

Q: Can I rest these on a hot pan?

A: They are heat resistant up to 220°C, so they can handle contact with hot food and  brief contact with pans, but shouldn't be left on a hot surface for extended periods.

Q: Will they get stained by strong-coloured foods like curry or tomato sauces?

A: The nylon material is specifically chosen for its high resistance to staining and  odours, keeping them looking professional.

Q: Is the 240mm length the full size of the tongs?

A: Yes, 240mm (or 9.5 inches) is the total length of the utensil from end to end.

Q: What makes them safe for my non-stick frying pans?

A: Unlike metal, the nylon material is softer and  will not scratch or damage the delicate non-stick coatings on your cookware.

Q: Are they heavy to use all day?

A: Not at all. They are designed to be extremely lightweight (only 50g) for comfortable, fatigue-free use during busy services.

Q: I know they are for allergens, but can I use them for general cooking in a pinch?

A: We strongly advise against this. To maintain the integrity of your food safety system, these purple utility kitchen tongs should be reserved exclusively for allergen-free prep.

What Customers Are Saying

"Sturdy, reliable tongs. The purple colour makes our allergen station completely foolproof. Can't imagine the kitchen without them now."

Chloe R. – Bistro Owner, Manchester

"Bought these for our school kitchen and  they are perfect. They go through the dishwasher without any issues and  staff know exactly what they're for."

David P. – Catering Manager, Birmingham

"Really solid and  stand up to the heat well. A little stiff compared to our old ones, but they do the job perfectly and  you know they're clean."

Samira K. – Takeaway Chef, London

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Mercer Culinary: Precision and  Safety in Every Hand

Choosing Mercer Culinary isn't just about buying a tool; it's about investing in a system of kitchen safety and  efficiency. For decades, Mercer has been a trusted name in professional kitchens, known for creating products that balance performance with practical, real-world needs. These allergen purple kitchen tongs are a perfect example of that philosophy. They represent a commitment to protecting your customers and  your reputation. In a busy service, human error is always a risk, but simple, effective tools like these drastically reduce that risk. This small, affordable utensil delivers enormous long-term value by fostering staff confidence, building customer trust, and  demonstrating a level of professionalism that sets your establishment apart. It's a foundational piece of equipment for any modern, responsible kitchen.

Explore more from Mercer Culinary

Beyond the Colour: What HACCP Compliance Really Means

You see 'HACCP Compliant' on equipment, but what does it actually mean for you? HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and  Critical Control Points, and  it's a globally recognised system for managing food safety. Think of it like a roadmap for preventing problems before they happen. The purple colour of these anti-cross contamination tongs isn't just a design choice; it's a vital signpost on that map. In the universal language of kitchen colour-coding, purple means 'for allergen-use only'. By using these tongs exclusively for gluten-free, nut-free, or other 'free-from' foods, you are implementing a 'Critical Control Point'. It's a simple, visual step that massively reduces the hazard of an allergen accidentally making its way onto a customer's plate. It's practical safety in action.

Who Should Buy This?

  • School Canteens: Essential for safely preparing and  serving meals to pupils with allergies.
  • Restaurants & Cafés: A must-have tool for any designated 'free-from' prep area to protect customers.
  • Hospitals & Care Homes: Critical for managing strict patient dietary plans and  preventing cross-contamination.
  • Bakeries & Delis: Perfect for handling gluten-free bread and  other items separately and  safely.
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Equip your kitchen with confidence. Add the Mercer Culinary CL697 Allergen Purple Kitchen Tongs to your basket today and  make safety simple.

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