Health authorities in Cyprus have issued renewed warnings over hygiene conditions in the delivery of food ordered through online platforms, as complaints from consumers continue to rise.
The issue was highlighted in a letter from the Health Services of the Ministry of Health to employers’ organisations, as well as during public statements by industry representatives.
Rising complaints over delivery conditions
Authorities report a significant increase in consumer complaints in recent months regarding the condition of food transport by motorcycle and scooter couriers working with platforms such as Foody and Wolt.
The main concerns relate to the cleanliness and maintenance of insulated delivery boxes used on motorbikes, with reports describing containers that are dirty, damaged, or not properly sealed. In some cases, complaints also mention that boxes are used to store personal items or are left exposed during periods of inactivity, increasing the risk of contamination.
Health Services: shared responsibility across the chain
The Health Services stress that food safety during transport is a shared responsibility involving restaurants, delivery platforms, and couriers.
They note that most couriers operate as self-employed partners rather than employees of the platforms, which complicates enforcement and inspection. Many also lack a stable residency status, making regulatory oversight more difficult.
Authorities are calling on food businesses and platforms to strengthen checks, ensure compliance with hygiene rules, and respond immediately to any reported irregularities.
Industry response and safeguards
The Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) has described the matter as “serious”, emphasising that even isolated hygiene failures can have significant consequences for public health and business reputation.
It stressed that restaurants remain fully responsible for food safety throughout the entire process, including preparation, packaging, and delivery conditions.
Companies are already implementing training programmes for couriers, routine inspections of equipment, and periodic replacement of delivery boxes, with some conducting checks every six months or sooner if damage is detected.
Calls for stricter monitoring and faster response
Following recent guidance from the Health Services, businesses are now reviewing additional monitoring mechanisms to allow faster identification and investigation of complaints.
Authorities also recommend that restaurants inspect delivery equipment, ensure basic hygiene standards among couriers, and immediately report issues to platform operators.
In severe cases, the Health Services suggest refusing deliveries that do not meet hygiene requirements and requesting replacement couriers.
Focus on prevention rather than penalties
Officials underline that while Cyprus already has a strict food safety framework, the priority is prevention rather than punishment. The aim is to identify weak points in the delivery chain early and address them before they pose risks to consumers.
The issue is expected to remain under review as online food delivery continues to expand rapidly across Cyprus.
Also read: European report records rising drug availability in Cyprus
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