With Level Three restrictions now in place across the country, the Ashburton District Council has been contacting local food operators ​to ensure they have the information they need to safely begin trading under the restriction.

Last week, letters were sent to food businesses reinforcing the Government's requirements and providing resources to find the information they need to get back up and running as soon as possible.

From yesterday morning (28 April) food delivery, drive-through, online shopping, or options such as click-and-collect could begin trading, but physical retail storefronts are not able to reopen to customers yet, unless the business is a supermarket, petrol station or dairy.

Anyone with questions about the impact these rules may have on the scope of their food operation can contact the Council's Food Act Verifier, Leia Manewell L.Manewell@foodandhealth.co.nz.

Food operators have also been advised to flush their drinking water taps before operations begin as part of their restart plans.

Additional information about food safety at Alert Level Three can be found at www.mpi.govt.nz