Reopening, Restarting, Repurposing your business

Before you think about reopening your business. There are a number of considerations to be made. At the time of writing, (May 2020, reviewed in Feb 2021) there is no evidence that COVID 19 is transmitted by food. The virus cannot move by itself. It has to be moved by something else. It is a respiratory virus transmitted by droplets coughed by those carrying the virus, or by surfaces that the droplets have landed on and then touched by humans and transferred to the face and respiratory system.

What actions do I take?

Before reopening your food and drink business, there are a number of actions you should take. In no particular order (the list is not exhaustive):

Advise your local environmental health department.
Check your waste contract to ensure that waste will be collected
Confirm that pest control is effective
Inspect your ambient store for out of date products
Deep clean your premises. There is a blog about cleaning here.
Train your team in any new procedures and record the training.
Check with your suppliers that they are able to deliver the raw materials you require, by the date that you need them.
Check your raw materials have not changed or been amended. Particularly pay attention to allergens.
Check your labelling and allergen advice to customers is still correct.
Review the HACCP for your business.
Record this check or audit and any changes implemented.
Order any PPE required for your business.
Flush your water and air conditioning systems (this should have been maintained during the shutdown) to reduce the risk of Legionnaire’s disease. Speak to your air conditioning contractor for advice.
Check the Government website for any restrictions in your area.

About the author:

Louise is an experienced food safety expert, who has a passion for working with food business owners who want to grow their businesses. She has a wide network of contacts that you can access when you start to work with her. She works with a team of professionals who support Alimenti Food Sciences through their own specialisms.

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