The restaurant industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Food service operations have turned to alternate ways of doing business through takeout and delivery, and now, many are cautiously beginning the process of reopening their dining rooms as states loosen stay-at-home restrictions.
 
While food safety has always been important to restaurants, it is more crucial than ever before that every restaurant professional understands and practices enhanced measures to keep guests and employees safe. Mitigating the risks of COVID-19 means implementing stepped-up procedures for cleaning and sanitizing, limiting opportunities for physical contact, developing plans to promote social distancing, and monitoring the physical health of employees.  It’s overwhelming!
 
This blog collects all the information restaurant operators need to know in one central location. Content includes:
 

• Video training courses on food safety precautions for takeout, delivery, and reopening
• Reopening guidance from the National Restaurant Association and the Food and Drug Administration
• Checklists and infographics highlighting steps for reopening
• Posters designed to reinforce key training messages for employees
• Tools for choosing appropriate disinfectants and monitoring employee health

• ServSafe Reopening Guidance (English & Spanish) – Ready to reopen your restaurant? This video provides your team with steps for keeping guests and employees safe.
• ServSafe Takeout (English & Spanish) – Ensure your takeout procedures follow hygiene and sanitation requirements designed to keep guests and employees safe. Here’s how.
• ServSafe Delivery (English & Spanish) – Safe food delivery means implementing additional steps for sanitation and food handling. This video shows you how.

• Food Safety and COVID-19 – Find FDA resources and answers to your food-related COVID-19 questions in one central place.
• Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 – This interactive EPA page provides information on which disinfectants work against the coronavirus and how to use them properly.h
• Decision Tool for Monitoring Employee Symptoms – Use this tool to determine whether employees meet health guidelines needed to keep guests and staff safe during the coronavirus pandemic. 
• Considerations for Restaurants and Bars – Ways in which operators can protect employees, customers, and communities and slow the spread of COVID-19.
• Face Coverings – Information on the use of cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

• Restaurant Re-Opening Best Practices: An Overview – As restaurants prepare to reopen, the FDA offers best practices in nine key food safety areas, as well as links to additional resources for operators of retail food establishments.
• Retail Food Establishment Re-Opening Food Safety Checklist – Are you ready to reopen your restaurant? Review this FDA checklist to ensure you are following the best practices for re-engaging with the dining public.
• COVID-19 Reopening Guidance: A Guide for the Restaurant Industry – The National Restaurant Association developed this guide in collaboration with the FDA, CDC, EPA, public health officials and other experts to outline reopening considerations for food safety, employee health, cleaning and sanitizing, and social distancing.

Posters 
 

• Coronavirus Info & Tips – General information and tips for keeping restaurant employees and customers safe.
• Handwashing – Reduce the spread of pathogens through proper handwashing techniques.
• Cleaning & Sanitizing – Review the differences between cleaning and sanitizing.
• How to Clean and Sanitize in a Three-Compartment Sink – Obtain the steps required to properly handle a three-compartment sink.

The restaurant industry is committed to keeping guests and employees safe. These resources can help.