Food Standards Scotland have updated their guidance for food business operators (FBOs). The update takes account of revisions in public health advice and feedback from industry, Scottish Government and Trade Unions.

The guidance package now also includes a new risk assessment tool and checklist to support FBOs in identifying and the measures they need to implement alongside their existing Food Safety Management System to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This can be used to demonstrate to Trade Unions and enforcement officials that they are maintaining these measures on an on-going basis to ensure staff and customers are protected from the risks of infection.  

The guidance also now links to Scotland’s Routemap through and out of the COVID-19 crisis and acknowledges that the measures outlined will support areas of the food to go sector, including drive through food outlets which will be preparing to re-open during Phase 1 of easing lockdown restrictions.

The guidance package will be reviewed on an on-going basis in line with Scottish Government’s review of lockdown restrictions, and the re-opening of other businesses during later phases of the routemap, as well as emerging evidence and changes to public health advice.