OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19
As the Coronavirus continues to affect people and businesses across the world, Duni Group is making every effort to ensure that we are able to support our customers as they confront the challenges they face. Our operations and production units are currently functioning as normal, as is our supply chain. And of course, we are taking every necessary precaution to ensure the safety of our people and products.
PEOPLE NEED TO EAT
Nourishment and good hygiene go hand in hand, especially in the face of health challenges. And as a restaurateur or take away business you provide an important service – one that is easily taken for granted in more normal times. Are there any steps you could be taking to improve safety for your patrons and to help them feel more at ease?
The European Food Safety Authority provides useful information.
HELPFUL IDEAS
- Consider offering your à la carte menu as take away
- Cover bare tables with single-use table covers, or at least use single-use placemats
- Replace ordinary cutlery with single-use cutlery-packs; they’re safer
- Offer cutlery-packs with take-away to prevent contamination
- Use disposable coffee cups at your café; they’re safer than reusable cups
- Use sealed or secure closed containers for a more hygienic offer.
- Open up for online ordering and delivery services.
STAY UPDATED. STAY SAFE.
Check with your national and local public health authority for the latest updates affecting your area.
Visit the World Health Organization (WHO) website, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to receive the latest advice.
THREE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO AVOID INFECTION AND SPREADING THE VIRUS:
1. Wash your hands often and thoroughly
2. Cover your nose and mouth with your flexed elbow or a tissue (not with your hand) when coughing or sneezing
3. Avoid close contact with anyone that has fever or cough
FAQ
GLOBAL PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING COVID-19
Q: What procedures has Duni Group put into place to handle the situation?
A:
- Our production units and logistics operations are not affected by the current safety recommendations, and we do not operate in any of the red zone high-risk areas as declared by the WHO.
- We are following the guidance provided by the WHO, as well as recommendations from health organisations in the countries where we operate. Our employees are being informed on how to prevent infection, and what to do if anyone experiences symptoms related to COVID-19.
- We have divided our operational workforce into smaller independent units to avoid bigger disruptions to our supply chain.
- We are in daily contact with our suppliers and logistic partners to ensure transparency, and to give us possibilities for mitigating actions, if we see any potential problems.
- According to the WHO, the likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial products is very low. Catching the virus from products that have been moved, travelled, or exposed to different temperatures is also very low.
Q: Do these procedures apply to all markets globally?
A:
We follow the above Duni Group procedures, as well as additional local procedures across the world.
PACKAGING & SAFETY
Q: How can I be assured that Duni products and the packaging they come in are safe?
A: Duni Group requires that all our manufacturing sites and all outsourced production from third-party suppliers fulfil the quality and hygiene standards specified in our Code of Conduct. The requirements are similar or equal to those set by standards such as BRC and HACCP. Furthermore, we have carried out a risk assessment of our products, taking information published by WHO as our reference.
Q: How long does the COVID-19 virus survive on surfaces?
A: It is not known for sure how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. Survivability may vary under different conditions (e.g. the type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).
Q: Is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported?
A: Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low, and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures is also low.
Therefore, we are confident that, taking into account our method of production and distribution, and the time it takes to deliver products to the customer from the time of production, the virus won’t be able to survive on the surface of our packaging.
MANUFACTURING & HYGIENE
Q: What is being done at Duni Group’s manufacturing sites to ensure the hygiene of products?
A: All Duni Group manufacturing sites in Germany and Poland are BRC certified. Furthermore, to meet the threat of COVID-19, we have taken extra steps. We have equipped many places with additional disinfectant dispensers. Production operators work in disposable gloves. Access to the production halls for staff not directly involved in production has been limited to the absolutely necessary minimum – with no access for administrative employees.
Moreover, all employees are subject to body temperature checks before starting work. All business trips and visits from external employees have been suspended. We have reduced the number of production shifts and introduced an hour-long break between shifts during which all common spaces are disinfected.
Q: What measures is Duni Group taking to ensure third-party suppliers are following hygiene advice from health authorities?
A: All of Duni Group’s outsourced production partners must follow our Code of Conduct requirements. As part of this, they must ensure that their production site operates in full compliance with the national laws in their respective countries.
Also, all our suppliers have received a letter with clear instructions on how to deliver to Duni Group. This requests that they comply with general recommendations from health authorities and Duni-specific advice on improving safety and hygiene.
DELIVERIES
Q: Will the current situation affect the delivery of my products?
A: At the moment NO. Currently, our transport network is operating without any disruptions. Furthermore, if required, we have the ability to increase production capacity to ensure prompt deliveries. However, the situation today is fluid, and logistical restrictions may come into play. If there are any changes, we’ll inform our customers as soon as possible.
Q: Will the current situation affect the delivery of my products?
A:
At the moment NO. Currently, our transport network is operating without any disruptions. Furthermore, if required, we have the ability to increase production capacity to ensure prompt deliveries. However, the situation today is fluid, and logistical restrictions may come into play. If there are any changes, we’ll inform our customers as soon as possible.
Q: Who can I get in touch with to discuss any additional support that I may need?
A:
Please contact us
