Update on unpackaged bakery items

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   There have been several responses to the news article on unpackaged bakery goods including a number from Facebook. Several images were provided. I have not been able to use images with children.
A GP commented on the risks to pregnant women and elderly due to the possibility of influenza infection; children can often be a significant reservoir of infection. Others commented on retailer policy and best practice in other countries.

GN who claimed to work at ASDA stated that their policy was to package all in-store bakery items. This is certainly the case at my local ASDA store.

Below is a typical image image of a central isle display from a Tesco store showing unpackaged bakery items. Note no obvious access to gloves or tongs. These items are obviously exposed to aerial contamination etc. 

I also got several Emails with images showing how Spanish supermarkets dealt with unpackaged bakery goods.

One particular store (Mercadona) uses pull out plastic trays to prevent aerial contamination. Customers are also expected to wear gloves and use tongs. See image below. 

The winter influenza period is now here. Surely major retailers can take action to improve their own food hygiene. They certainly would expect more from their suppliers.

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Admin Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Administrator Joined: 01 Sep 2009 Location: N. Ireland Status: Offline Points: 390	Post Options Post Reply Quote Admin Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Update on unpackaged bakery items Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 11:04am
	There have been several responses to the news article on unpackaged bakery goods including a number from Facebook. Several images were provided. I have not been able to use images with children. A GP commented on the risks to pregnant women and elderly due to the possibility of influenza infection; children can often be a significant reservoir of infection. Others commented on retailer policy and best practice in other countries. GN who claimed to work at ASDA stated that their policy was to package all in-store bakery items. This is certainly the case at my local ASDA store. Below is a typical image image of a central isle display from a Tesco store showing unpackaged bakery items. Note no obvious access to gloves or tongs. These items are obviously exposed to aerial contamination etc. I also got several Emails with images showing how Spanish supermarkets dealt with unpackaged bakery goods. One particular store (Mercadona) uses pull out plastic trays to prevent aerial contamination. Customers are also expected to wear gloves and use tongs. See image below. The winter influenza period is now here. Surely major retailers can take action to improve their own food hygiene. They certainly would expect more from their suppliers.

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