Coronavirus Statement
As we are now aware coronavirus is a type of virus which, as a group, are common across the world and is a generic
term for cold and flu viruses. In humans, the virus causes respiratory infections, the typical symptoms of which
include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia, causing shortness of breath and breathing
difficulties.
Novel coronavirus (Covid19) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China. The virus can be spread by being in close contact with an infected person, and by coughing and sneezing, just like the common cold. Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions such as diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
The current outbreak is human to human transmission and there is no evidence that it can be transmitted through
contaminated food. ( Gov.co.uk Ref: Guidance for consumers on coronavirus (COVID-19) and food ). As information
on the outbreak is continually changing, the most up to advice should be sought from the Public Health England’s
website.
Ripe London maintain a robust food safety management system and purchase their produce from approved
reputable suppliers. Incident management and product recall procedures are in place which can be initiated in
response to any change in advice regarding the movement of food products should the need arise.
In any event, the food handling staff are constantly reminded of the need for high standards of personal hygiene,
including the use and disposal of tissues, regular washing of hands, adhering to required social distancing in the
workplace and to report any infectious illness that they may be experiencing symptoms of, or may have come into
contact with. Our drivers also adhere to the above hygiene protocols and have been instructed to sanitise regularly
between deliveries. Masks and gloves are mandatory for all onsite staff and during deliveries.
Our workplace and prep areas always meet with the required British standards of hygiene. We already implement
regular hand washing and sanitising gels are at every work area, all workstations have been extended to allow for
the required social distancing. These systems are established in all toilet and washroom facilities. All work surfaces
and floors are cleaned prior to and after every shift using appropriate products.
However, we have now implemented more frequency of the above and sanitisers are now widely distributed
throughout the premises along with gloves and masks, all delivery vehicles are equipped the same way.
Site management are aware of the need to monitor staff (onsite and delivery drivers) and to report anyone either
showing symptoms or who have been in contact with anyone showing symptoms. In these instances, the protocol is
to self-isolate for 14 days and report worsening of symptoms by calling NHS 111 in accordance with Public Health
England.
As you are aware, we are part of the New Covent Garden Market and along with them are working in accordance
with the World Health Organisation and the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention guidelines doing what is
necessary.
Covent Garden Market Authority have also issued their own statement regarding the steps they are taking to assist
tenants facilitate good standards of personal hygiene across the site and the provision of isolation areas if required.
Ripe will remain vigilant and cautious whilst continuing to provide our produce with the same efficiency and
professionalism as always.
Due to fresh food being a 'supply on demand' industry there are no continuity plans in place, therefore Ripe will
continue to deliver as usual unless anything changes with our supply. We can say that NCGM is buoyant with fresh
fruit and veg, arriving everyday as usual.
As an extra precaution and for your own reassurance we remind you to rinse all fruit and veg prior to eating (as is
normal in everyday practice).
