COVID-19 advice on offering takeaway or delivery services
Darlington Borough Council understands that businesses may look to change their business model and diversify in order to maintain their business during this time.
The following advice is for those businesses that are looking to make provision for takeaway and deliveries where they have not done so before.
Scientific advice is that it is very unlikely that COVID-19 can be spread through food. But, if you are changing how you are used to operating then you should think through the hazards and ensure that you have control measures in place.
A business will only be in a position to do this if they are registered as a food business with a Local Authority.
All foods must be delivered to consumers in a way that ensures that they do not become unsafe or unfit to eat.
Foods that need to be cool must be kept cool while they are being transported. This may need to be packed in an insulated box with a coolant gel or in a cool bag.
If you are transporting hot food it should be kept hot. This may need to be packed in an insulated box. It is recommended to keep distances short and times limited to within 30 minutes.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has provided advice for businesses - ‘How to manage a food business if you sell products online, for takeaway or for delivery.’ [external link].
There is a lot of information for businesses on allergen management on the FSA website [external link].
Contact-free delivery
Limiting contact when delivering orders will help keep everyone healthy. You could consider leaving deliveries at the door of your customers house. Knock on the door and step back at least 1-metre and wait nearby for your customer to collect it.
Take payments over the phone or internet rather than taking a cash payment.
Infection Control
You have duties to ensure food handlers are fit for work under the food hygiene regulations. In addition, you have a general duty to ensure the Health, Safety and Welfare of the person under your employment and members of the public.
Relevant staff must be provided with clear instructions on any infection control policy in place. Any person affected and employed in a food business and who is likely to come into contact with food is to immediately report the illness or symptoms. If possible, they should report the cause of their illness too.
The Government has issued guidance on COVID-19 [external link] for employees and businesses.
However, this is not specific for food businesses, but it does advise that if you have been asked to self-isolate, you can order by phone or online, such as through takeaway services or online shopping deliveries. Make sure you tell the delivery driver that the items are to be left outside, or as appropriate for your home.
If you are undertaking deliveries, then you should have a system in place where customers can notify the restaurant/delivery drivers whether they are self-isolating so that action can be taken.