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New food safety guidelines have been issued for food businesses, as demand increases for takeaway and delivery services in Jersey.
It comes as increasing numbers of food and beverage outlets have closed their doors in order to protect the safety of clients and staff during the covid-19 outbreak.
The Government says the availability of food for islanders remains critical to society and that there is currently no evidence that food is a likely source or route of transmission of the virus.
However, food businesses are being asked to take extra care when it comes to food handling and to review their food safety management system.
To assist businesses, the Government has issued a document on social distancing and adapting food management safety system during these challenging times - from food preparation, to takeaway, payment and delivery.
The extended measures are based on current advice from the Medical Officer of Health to contain and aim to delay the spread of infection and reduce demand on the health service.
Pictured: Social distance should be maintained at all stages of food production.
Among the overarching principles listed are maintaining social distance between everyone at every stage of food production, hand washing, as well as cleaning and sanitising.
Businesses are recommended to reduce their menu to a size a smaller team can cope with.
Salad bars and hot and cold pastry areas should be suspended, along with the use of ‘bring your own’ options such as coffee mugs and food containers.
The Government is also reminding businesses that customers should follow the latest requirements for social distancing – currently two meters – and urging them to only accept contactless payment to avoid cross-contamination between customers and staff.
Pictured: All delivered food must be paid for in advance.
As regards deliveries, all food must be pre-paid to avoid contact with the driver.
When placing the order, the customer should state a safe place for the food to be left and a number to ring to alert the customer that the food has arrived.
The Government says delivery drivers should not accept tips.
They should be the only one in the vehicle to support social distancing.
Their vehicles must be clean and free from any other items that could potentially contaminate the food.
Pictured: Hair salons and barbers were among the businesses that were told to shut yesterday.
The guidance came as the Chief Minister announced more businesses should close immediately to curb the spread of corona virus:
“I am aware that some businesses in the island have already chosen to close in light of recent measures,” Senator Le Fondré said. “The impact of the closures on businesses and staff has not gone unacknowledged. However, it is crucial to recognise that some services can no longer be maintained with social distancing measures in place.
“The Council of Ministers announced initial measures to support businesses, including financial support for employees who find themselves without work. I thank those of the business community for their dedication to protecting the Island at this critical time.”
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