Food delivery companies seem to work in the same way — a customer places an order, their rider goes to pick it up and deliver it. But there’s much more.

1. Pick partners with the right delivery processes

Find out how their delivery riders handle the orders. How is the food kept? What’s the maximum delivery duration? Does the company have an efficient delivery tracking system?

56% of consumers say that factory-sealed sauces and dressings are the safest type of packaging used for takeout and delivery orders.

2. Ensure high food packaging integrity

No matter the weather, delivering food can be a challenge, affecting the quality and food safety of your delivered meals. Most importantly, ensure that your food delivery company uses insulated bags to keep your food warm and fresh during delivery.

Use practical, quality food packaging such as thicker, biodegradable materials that can hold moist food well for longer period.

The CDC recommends to use "single-use options or identify one person to serve sharable items, like salad dressings, food containers, plates and utensils, and condiments" once the food is received by customers. A recent study from Datassential² reports that 56% of consumers say that factory-sealed sauces and dressings are the safest type of packaging used for takeout and delivery orders.”

3. Use long-lasting ingredients to avoid spoilage

Consider having a line of dishes that are created especially for delivery. You can also use better quality, long-lasting ingredients and ready-to-use, stable sauces to prepare your already popular meals for delivery.

4. Run inspections for consistent, optimal food safety

The last thing any food operator wants is delivering spoilt or tainted foods that may harm customers or create a PR disaster.

Hire staff dedicated to performing quality checks or train your existing team in a certified food handling course to ensure food safety standards are met.

5. Make the use of sanitizers, gloves, and hairnet compulsory

Keeping the kitchen clean is the first step towards maintaining good food safety. Small practices like using hand sanitizers, gloves, and hairnets can go a long way. You can also place signs in the restroom to remind employees to wash their hands with soap after each visit.

These are all cheap and easy ways to protect your food from being contaminated before delivery.

Most importantly, ensure that your food delivery company uses insulated bags to keep your food warm and fresh during delivery.

Content courtesy of Unilever Foodsolutions

¹Datassentials: COVID-19 Report 5: Sheltered (March 27)

²Datassentials: One Table Consumers Data Table (May 2020)