New food outlets should register with Cherwell District Council

During the coronavirus crisis, more and more businesses are advertising home delivery of food via social media groups and websites.

Cherwell District Council’s environmental health team are working to raise awareness of the advice and guidance they offer.

The officers routinely work to make sure that local caterers, cafés and restaurants are correctly following legislation and offering a professional service to their customers. But with the doors of these establishments closed, many are understandably changing their business model or offering a service from home kitchens.

Cllr Andrew McHugh, Cherwell’s lead member for health and wellbeing, said: “I applaud the entrepreneurial spirit of people who are setting up new businesses or changing their way of working during the coronavirus pandemic. Home delivery may be especially important for people who are less able to get to the supermarket during lockdown.

“But it is also vital that these new services are receiving the correct advice and support. We are here to help them get it right first time.

“We are working to raise awareness, not only among the businesses themselves, but among anyone who runs, or buys via, Facebook groups and other social media platforms where people buy and sell food.”

New businesses offering home delivery need to follow correct procedures covering, for example, allergens and safe storage and transport of food.

Existing food businesses which intend to start delivering food orders need to consider any new or different risks posed by this change in operation and should also contact Cherwell for advice.

People can check if a business is registered, find food hygiene ratings, and consult official coronavirus food guidance at food.gov.uk.

Food businesses can contact and register with the council environmental health team via: bit.ly/CDCfoodbusiness*A message from the Banbury Guardian Editor:

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