University of Maribor – Slovenia
SAFETY OF FOOD SECTOR EMPLOYEES DURING THE PANDEMIC
Gregor Sok (MS Food Safety)
Danijel Davidovič (MS Geography, MS Philosophy)
Ddr. Ana Vovk Korže (PhD Geography, PhD Environmental Protection)
The food industry is part of the economy affected by the pandemic, but much less so than some other industries. One of the main reasons for this is also the need for food, which is eternal among people and essential for survival. Although there is currently no evidence that food workers can transmit the infection to the consumer through food, the exposure to the risk factor for COVID-19 infection among food workers is similar as in other industries. Recommendations for prevention of contamination are regular and thorough cleaning of premises and surfaces, regular ventilation, disinfection of employees’ and customers’ hands as well as compliance with basic general recommendations (interpersonal distance, wearing a mask, cough hygiene). Just as we emphasize the importance of space hygiene, equipment hygiene and personal hygiene (especially hand hygiene) in food sector in general, we also stress the importance of hygiene in current situation. In addition to hygiene, precise instructions from the company, a contingency plan in place, compliance with instructions from all employees and the personal responsibility of each employee to their colleagues and the wider society are important. Only in this way will we be able to meet the challenges that will surely await us in the future as well.
In addition to adequate hygiene, some emphasize the importance of local and sustainable food systems that would ensure greater safety for food workers and consumers, so that global supply networks are at least partially replaced by local ones.
Literature:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021: Food and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/food-and-COVID-19.html
National Institute for Public Health: Recommendations for the implementation of activities (COVID-19). https://www.nijz.si/sl/sproscanje-ukrepov-covid-19
