Darien Suspends Food Service Inspections During Coronavirus

DARIEN, CT — Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and state shutdown, Darien temporarily has suspended food service inspections "until such time as restaurants have resumed normal operating activities," according to Director of Health David Knauf.

As a result, the town also has suspended the issuance of Food Service Establishment Ratings.

"Routine on-site inspections of restaurants have been suspended since the Governor ORDERED closure of food service facilities on March 16, 2020," Knauf said in statement. "To ensure the continued safety of those facilities that have remained open providing take-out, curbside or delivery service during the period of time when routine inspections have been suspended, this office has maintained constant contact via phone or email with each open facility."

Those conversations have centered on the following:

Employee wellness - ensuring active managerial controls are in place, the screening of employees specifically for COVID-19 type symptoms, social distancing requirements are met when employees are working, and the provision of and proper utilization of PPE.

Social Distancing requirements; reviewing social distancing protocols to protect the health of the public, the monitoring and control of the number of patrons inside the establishment at any given time, ensuring limited access to common areas, using tape, chalk or signage to mark out 6 feet on the floor to allow for separation at counters, checkout lines and sidewalks, and the control of access and egress into facilities with a one way traffic pattern.

Safe Food Handling; proper hand washing by food handlers and delivery drivers must be practiced and enforced by the person in charge, reminding managers that bare hand contact is not allowed with ready to eat foods, safe holding and cooking temperatures in the kitchen must be monitored and commonly used sanitation practices are followed to prevent the potential spread of illness.

Active managerial control; how is this essential function being practiced to reduce the risk of foodborne illness or COVID-19 transmission, special emphasis must be placed on good hygiene practices and sanitation.

Knauf added that all of the food service facilities in town also receive regular Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance updates as necessary.

This is from Knauf's announcement:

To supplement the above and verify safe food handling practices are being adhered to during this period, we continue with site visits and in-person interviews at each facility on a random, unannounced basis, in the same fashion inspections are normally conducted.

This office has begun dialog with our local establishments to ensure that when reopening does occur, it will be in accordance with best practices to protect the public and the food service workers.

Remember to wash your hands, wear a facial mask when in public and practice social distancing!

Be smart, be safe, be healthy.

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