Shopping trolleys, baskets and conveyor belts
Food businesses must ensure that equipment, including shopping trolleys, baskets and checkout conveyors are appropriately cleaned and maintained.
While there is no evidence to show a link between these types of items and food contamination or poisoning, there is some consumer concern around contamination, contact by multiple handlers and placing young children into seats and the trolley itself.
It is important to note that shopping trolleys, baskets and checkout conveyors are considered equipment of the food business as they are used for the collection and transportation of food prior to sale, by definition, they are used for the handling of food.
Most food placed into a trolley, basket or on a conveyor will already be packaged or wrapped. However, some items, such as fruits and vegetables, may not be bagged or wrapped prior to being placed on, or in, such equipment. This is one reason for making sure you wash all fruit and vegetables under running water before eating.
Do
- maintain equipment to a standard of cleanliness where there is no accumulation of food waste, dirt, grease, or other visible matter
- maintain equipment in a good state of repair and working
- regularly clean these items to be sufficient to prevent the accumulation of dirt, grease and other visible matter
- remove physical items such as receipts, bags and lettuce leaves during collection of the trolleys.
Do not
- use trolleys that are used to transfer food (e.g. meat) from a loading dock or preparation area to a food business, for any other purpose.