Reopening your food business after the COVID-19 lockdown

Coronavirus and food

Government guidance on coronavirus suggests that it's very unlikely you'll catch coronavirus from food. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that's not known to be transmitted through food or food packaging.

Although it's unlikely that coronavirus can be transmitted through food, it's good hygiene practice that staff should wash their hands regularly with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.

If any of your staff show any symptoms of coronavirus, you must send the member of staff home to self-isolate, disinfect/sanitise any equipment and areas where they've been working including all hand contact points throughout the premises (eg taps, utensils, food equipment, soap dispensers, fridge handles, till points and telephones). For further information, refer to the government advice on COVID-19 decontamination and managing employee sickness.

Customers

You must have procedures in place for your customers to help them socially distance. Further advice can be found on the government website.

Social distancing

When you reopen, you must adhere to government guidance concerning staying alert, social distancing and protecting people who are most vulnerable from COVID-19.

Page last updated: 05 May 2022