The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued two resources for retail food establishments that are reopening after closing or partially closing in response to COVID-19. The resources include a Food Safety Checklist with considerations for retail food establishments when restarting or resuming operations and an infographic identifying best practices for reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the guidance will be familiar. In light of the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, FDA recommendations warrant a particular review and possible modification to companies’ existing policies and practices. In addition to FDA’s guidance, retail food establishments should be cognizant of any state or local requirements for retail food establishments as they reopen, and FDA encourages retail food establishments to partner with their local health authorities to discuss specific requirements for retail food establishments prior to reopening.
