Is Coronavirus (COVID-19) linked to food?

COVID-19 is NOT generally associated with food, nor does it produce food poisoning like symptoms. We have however included it in our online food safety courses for two important reasons. Firstly, most practical measures used to destroy existing food poisoning viruses on surfaces can also be applied to tackling COVID-19. And secondly, Coronavirus will have a lasting effect on how we all work, socialise and consume food, so it’s important as an industry that we understand the threat and adapt the way we work to reduce the threats to ourselves, our customers, and the future of the sector.

Government & FSA guidance is currently the best way forward for you to understand how this new virus and your business can operate safely together.


Guidance for food businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19)

Reopening and adapting your food business during COVID-19

How does coronavirus (COVID-19) spread?

Like many pathogenic viruses, Coronavirus spreads person-to-person through airborne particles produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and when contaminated hands touch and thus contaminate other objects. Research suggests that Coronavirus can survive for up to several days on some of the most common materials and surfaces used in food premises:

  • Coronavirus can survive airborne for up to a few hours
  • Coronavirus can survive on cardboard packaging for around 24 hours
  • Coronavirus can survive on plastic packaging for up to 3 days
  • Coronavirus can survive on stainless steel for up to 7 days

Let’s get your local community backing your food business

Now that many of you are finding ways of getting fresh cooked food to your customers and local community safely, it’s time to encourage them to your support you. Put up the poster below in your premises window and share it online as widely as you can to get the word out that our sector needs everyone to get behind it and support all food businesses to help them get through this very difficult time.

Share with other food business owners, friends and through any route you can think of to build the momentum needed for the general public to get all food business back on their feet.

We rely on you for our business so we will work as hard as we can to support your food business. If you need answers to anything or have an idea that could help your food business and others get in touch and we will do all we can to help.

Missing your local food business? They’re missing you too!

Now that pubs, cafes and takeaways are finding ways of getting fresh cooked food to you safely, it’s time to show your support. Behind the scenes, a lot of these guys have been working hard to incorporate social distancing and safe payment methods, as well as perfecting their food hygiene practices. And now they need YOU – show some love to your local chippie, your independent Indian restaurant or your dedicated pizza delivery place and treat yourself to a takeaway tonight.

Don’t forget that your local pubs, restaurants and cafes are all now working toward or are now providing a takeaway service, they need your help now more than ever to keep them going.