Administrative Regulation No. 30/2021 “Registration System for Establishments of Takeaway Activities” has already entered into force. In this respect, any establishment engaged in takeaway activities that have not been subject to licensing requirements must complete the registration by law. Amongst them are: snack shops, shops selling takeaway boxed meals, siu mei /lo mei shops, takeaway beverage shops, sushi and sashimi shops, bakeries and pastry shops, convenience stores and food souvenir shops which are involved in the preparation and cooking of takeaway food.
Takeaway shops must display their registration certificate or registration number
In order to protect consumers, the registered takeaway shops are required to affix the registration certificate in a conspicuous place in the physical shop. In case of using the Internet or mobile applications as the medium for business operation and information dissemination, such as mobile apps, WeChat and Facebook, the registration number of the establishment has been uploaded on the respective medium for consumers to identify.
Before placing an order for takeaway, be sure to check if the takeaway shop has displayed its registration information
As a wise consumer, remember to check whether the takeaway shop has displayed its registration certificate or registration number in the shop when choosing a takeaway shop to place an order. Always opt for takeaway shops that have registered in accordance with the law. It ensures that the takeaway shops you patronise are routinely inspected, and their food are regularly sampled by the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) to safeguard food safety.
How do I find the registered takeaway shops?
IAM has created a designated webpage on the “Establishments of Takeaway Activities with Registration Certificate” in the “Food Safety Information” website. It is convenient for the public to look up the registered takeaway shops.
Consumers have to observe the following food safety practices:
- Before placing an order, carefully choose a restaurant, food establishment or a third-party online food-ordering and delivery platform that is reliable, adheres to hygiene procedures and with a good reputation;
- After placing the order, consumers should take note of the delivery progress. If the ordered food has not sent out over a period of time or if the delivery process is longer-than-usual waiting time, consumers should call the delivery person or food establishment to inquire about the food delivery status and ask for follow-up;
- When informed by the food delivery person to collect food items, pick them up as soon as possible to avoid leaving them at room temperature for a long time;
- Upon delivery of takeaways, check the delivery time. The time from food preparation at the restaurant to delivery to the consumer should not exceed one hour;
- Check the food packaging and food temperature. If the packaging is damaged, e.g., cold food arrived warm or hot food arrived cold, please tell the delivery person or notify the restaurant about the issue at once and reject the delivery;
- After receiving takeaways, any ready-to-eat takeaway food has to be consumed as soon as possible. If the food is not intended for immediate consumption, store it in a refrigerator, or use hot-holding equipment to maintain food temperature, as determined by its required storage conditions;
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching or eating any food.
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