More food delivery options in Ireland due to Covid-19 pandemic - FSAI

The Covid-19 pandemic has been identified as a catalyst for the rapid development of Irish food delivery options. 

That's according to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), which highlighted the change in consumer behaviour at today's (November 17) gathering of the Food Safety Consultative Council. 

Over 240 people registered for the virtual event, with representatives from Deliveroo, Manna Drone Delivery, and Dropchef as well as Irish and international speakers in attendance. 

Chaired by Suzanne Campbell, Author and Journalist, the event offered insights into the impact technology continues to have on the food journey process, as the traditional model of consumers travelling to restaurants, shops or supermarkets is now joined by many food businesses using social media, websites, online marketplaces and apps to meet consumer demands.

Chief Executive of the FSAI, Dr Pamela Byrne, outlined the importance of food safety remaining front and centre of the food journey, regardless of advances in technology or delivery methods. 

She said, "Although consumers have more choices and convenience options than ever before, they are also being asked to place a higher level of trust in operators when they order food online. There must be a steadfast trust that all those involved in supplying, producing, marketing and delivering will adhere to the highest standards of food safety and hygiene on an ongoing basis. Quite simply, consumers have a right to safe food no matter where they buy it from.

"While this is undoubtedly an exciting time for innovation with huge opportunities to use technology to grow food businesses and offer new production, preparation and delivery models, those opportunities also bring operational, regulatory and food safety challenges.

"At the FSAI, we continue to explore ways in which we can evolve our regulatory approach, to improve transparency for consumers to support them in making informed choices, and work with businesses with the common goal of ensuring safe and trustworthy food." 

Recent research carried out by the FSAI showed that 60% of consumers surveyed trust the food they buy or order online from grocery food shops and takeaways is safe to eat, with 35% and 21% trusting that food from online shopper services and social media pages respectively is safe to eat. 

The research also shows almost 2 in 5 (37%) have ordered food online from a supermarket or other retail outlets, with over 3 in 5 of these respondents claiming to use the service at least once a month.

Convenience was noted as key for those opting to order a takeaway online, with 4 in 5 claiming this to be the number one reason.

Today's open meeting offered members of the public and food businesses an opportunity to engage with the FSAI directly. 

Chair of the Food Safety Consultative Council, Ray Bowe, said, "The Food Safety Consultative Council always aims to discuss topics that are key in the day-to-day lives of people. In recent years, we have seen the behaviours of consumers altered by the Covid-19 pandemic. For many, these changes in how they purchase food have outlasted the restrictions that were in place and new habits have formed thanks to innovative uses of technology by many businesses.

"Yet, we continue to call on all those who play a role in the journey of food – including consumers – to remain aware of the importance of food safety and hygiene. Ultimately, this is the greatest method to protect consumers health.”