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Managing Food Pick-Up & Delivery Services amidst COVID Pandemic

Post the genesis of the COVID pandemic, when the spread of coronavirus increased, a group of scientists carried out a study on the viability of two coronavirus-like strains, SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1, on the surfaces. The researchers inferred that the virulent strains were viable for about 48 – 72 hours on plastics and stainless steel, 4 hours on copper surfaces, and 24 hours on cardboards.

COVID-19 and Foodservice Industry

Particularly with cardboard, how can millions of street food stalls, retail units, and delivery services use more cardboard boxes in their daily lives, not worry about COVID-19?

Favorably, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) article states that there are no coronavirus cases yet wherein the spread has occurred via food surfaces, food packaging, or shopping bags. Having said this, the CDC was keen to advise people and respective entities to follow the food safety methods and practices to reduce the risk of food-borne or packaging borne illness.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proactively provided a set of guidelines and best practices that Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services can adopt to avoid becoming a transmission agent of the contagious coronavirus.

Chances of Spread via Food Delivery

CDC claims that the risk of getting COVID-19 from food and packaging seems low, and thus, it is less likely to contract any spread from these surfaces.

Only if COVID-positive individual sneezes or coughs when handling any of the food packages or touches the surfaces with the traces of the contamination, there is a chance of the spread. Also, when the infected individual touches other high-touch surfaces at the retail outlets and units, namely door handles, kitchen tops, light switches, doorknobs, and faucets, and if these surfaces are frequently disinfected, then the risk of coronavirus spread may arise.

Disinfecting Food Pick-up and Delivery Surfaces

German researchers claim that cleaning a surface can reduce the viability of viral particles from one million to nearly 100.

With the FDA’s best practices and the right usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), food delivery services can continue to operate amidst the COVID pandemic. Also, with guided disinfection techniques and equipment, the employees can be safeguarded. At the same time, the surfaces can be free from COVID-19 transmission upon frequent sanitizing and disinfection.

Some of the quick tips for food pick-up and delivery services to combat COVID-19:

  • Frequent UV light disinfection of high-touch surfaces
  • Ensuring that food items are properly wrapped and packaged
  • Disinfection of the food packaging surfaces before the packing process
  • Deliver food services with distance and wash hands after every interaction

From a customer’s point, they can sanitize or disinfect the delivered packaging before use for prevention.

Best Disinfection Solution for Food Delivery

For the disinfection of the food delivery cardboard boxes or plastic surfaces, the best solution in the market is UV light disinfection. Get the portable UV light PXL sanitizer and PXL UV light chamber for disinfecting multiple items or boxes.

If you’re inquisitive about how UV light can become the best solution, follow our blogs on UV potential against COVID-19.

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