News
02.04.2020 - Foods
Corona infection protection during food delivery in service, self-service, and take-away
The German Food Association e. V. has published a key points paper on corona infection protection in handling food. The recommendations listed in the key points paper provide a clear guide for hygienic food handling and measures for occupational and customer protection. The outlined principles for the food industry are intended to lead to a uniform approach by food monitoring authorities and health offices.
In general, the key points paper assumes that the previous general rules for regular hand washing and food preparation hygiene rules are sufficient, and no additional measures are necessary in this area (e.g., masks, increased use of disinfectants).
Changes for food entrepreneurs, on the other hand, consist of extending the internal briefing of employees under the Infection Protection Act to include the symptoms of COVID-19, and hygiene training must include hand hygiene as a central element. Furthermore, general protective measures must be taken in customer traffic, such as maintaining the distance requirement (e.g., through signs or markings on the floor) or limiting the number of people in stores.
Special regulations in the key points paper particularly apply to the following facilities:
Service counters or takeaway options for food
- Food must be stored protected from the customer
- The distance to the customer must be ensured even when handing over food
- Reusable containers belonging to customers can still be filled but should only stand at designated locations and should be touched as little as possible
Self-service counters
- Self-service facilities may remain in operation
- Customer behavior should be specifically guided by appropriate signs (e.g., "Please do not return food," "Please use the provided tongs")
Checkout
- Protective screens between staff and customers must be installed
- Surfaces in contact with customers should be cleaned at regular intervals
- Checkout processes must be separate from activities involving food
You can find the detailed key points paper under the following link: https://www.lebensmittelverband.de/download/lmverband-eckpunktepapier-corona-infektionsschutz-hygiene
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