Food Handling Controls (Show all)

Food Display - Is food on display protected from contamination?

Guidance		When displaying food, all practical measures must be taken to ensure food is protected from the likelihood of contamination [see Standard 3.2.2 cl 8(1), (4) of the Code]. If displayed food is protected from contamination by packaging, the food businesses must ensure the packaging remains intact to prevent contamination. Food that may be contaminated due to damaged packaging must be removed from display and dealt with in accordance with the requirements of Standard 3.2.2 cl 11 of the Code (guidance available here). If food is unpackaged, it must be protected from contamination. Food on display must be enclosed, contained or wrapped in some way e.g. a cake cannot be displayed on a countertop without an appropriate covering. For specific requirements relating to self-service foods see Standard 3.2.2 cl 8(5) of the Code (guidance available here).
Non-compliance	Minor	Food requiring further processing (non ready to eat foods such as raw meats and vegetables) are displayed in a way that exposes them to contamination. E.g. vegetables are displayed outside and are visibly contaminated by dust.
	Major	Food on display for self service is provided without protective barriers. E.g. buffet lunch display is not provided with a sneeze guard to protect from airborne contamination. Ready to eat food is displayed uncovered and unwrapped on a counter. E.g. muffins placed on the counter at the point of sale or customer area not covered to protect from contamination (sneezing, spitting while taking, touching). Food packaging has become damaged therefore the food is no longer protected from contamination. E.g. ripped food package exposing the food to contamination, cardboard box with water damage. Food is being displayed in a Bain Marie which has been broken or damaged. E.g. glass panels or doors have chipped/cracked glass that may cause contamination. Food intended to be displayed frozen is found thawing or not frozen solid when displayed.
	Critical	Potentially hazardous food is displayed uncovered and without temperature control. Ready to eat meats contaminated from juices of raw meat. E.g. meat in deli not separated to prevent ready to eat meats (e.g. shaved ham) being contaminated by juices from raw chicken breast.