Nicosia, Cyprus. Consumers ordering delivered food in Cyprus face potential food poisoning risks due to poor sanitation of delivery cool boxes and high summer temperatures that can encourage pathogen growth. Proper packing during food preparation is believed to have helped prevent more serious consequences so far.
Inspection concerns
The Consumer Association approached delivery drivers to inspect motorcycle cooler containers, but association president Marios Drousiotis said on Wednesday that only two drivers agreed to open their boxes for inspection.
He said that while not all boxes could be considered a health risk, Cyprus’ summer temperatures and the failure to sanitise containers after each use could increase the danger.
Industry response
OEV deputy director Lena Panayiotou told CyBC that “the necessary checks are being carried out regarding the procedures for transporting and delivery ready-made food”.
She said the measures included training delivery drivers and replacing delivery equipment every six months.
Panayiotou added that, following the recent food poisoning incident at a Limassol wedding, “taking additional measures is being examined”.
Health services warning
State health services under the health ministry have also raised concerns after the Limassol incident, in which 70 people reported Salmonella symptoms and 21 required hospital treatment.
According to Politis, the services have received increasing complaints in recent months about dirty and damaged cool bags, which they consider a critical hygiene gap from the moment food leaves the kitchen until it reaches the consumer.
Consumer complaints
Consumers reported that some cool boxes contained spilled food from previous deliveries, while others were torn or did not seal properly. Some were also said to contain personal items belonging to drivers.
Other complaints said motorcycles were left outside during closing hours, exposed to weather, insects and rodents.
Official action
The health services have sent letters to OEV and Keve regarding food deliveries made through online ordering platforms, including those carried out by car.
