In the coming weeks, we'll know whether the current swine flu scare is a real pandemic or (hopefully) something much smaller. Either way, we are guaranteed to become a population with a heightened sense of germ-phobia and awareness, even if only for a short period of time.
In response to the epidemic, the National Restaurant Association has posted several news items on its Web site to help restaurant operators deal with the issue. The NRA offers these tips when it comes to communicating with employees how good hygiene practices are critical to preventing the spread of influenza as well as other potential illnesses.
- Remind employees that their health and safety, as well as that of the customers, is your No. 1 priority.
- Coordinate with your local health department on any actions that are being taken in your local community. Keep in close contact to be sure you are advised of any change in local status. Repeat the basic steps of proper hygiene: Wash hands often. Cover mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
- Inform employees of the symptoms of H1N1/swine flu: Fever, headaches, cough, chills, sore throat, fatigue, body aches and possible diarrhea and vomiting.
- Suggest that if employees experience symptoms they believe are connected with the flu, they should see a health care provider who can direct appropriate action.
- Be sure to have this information accessible and easily visible to all employees.
As the situation continues to develop, the NRA says it will update these communications guidelines accordingly. Media representative Annika Stensson said the association is in frequent communication with government agencies as well as their membership to provide up-to-date information. The NRA also has established a Web site that includes additional tips and information.
Some impact in Mexico The Dallas Morning News has reported that U.S.-based quick-service brands have been impacted by Mexico City's takeout-only decree, with foot traffic around those restaurants falling off significantly.
The Orange County Register's Fast Food Maven blog has reported that Burger said in its third quarter earnings call that some of that chain's stores in Mexico were closed temporarily in the first few days of the outbreak in that country. The outbreak has also lead to a double-digit decline in sales Mexico.
John Chidsey, chairman and chief executive officer of Burger King Corp., said in the company's quarterly earnings report that the company is expecting some impact from the swine flu outbreak during the next quarter.
A Burger King spokesperson provided the following statement: "The safety of our employees and guests at Burger King restaurants is our highest priority. Burger King Corp. (BKC) can confirm all Burger King restaurants located in Mexico City
And according to a Subway spokesman, "the health and safety of our customers and employees is of paramount importance. Because a majority of our business expertise is in providing meals-to-go to consumers with limited available time, we are very well suited to comply with the recent government recommendations that require restaurants in Mexico City to reduce the number of available public gathering places.
"In addition to following all guidelines and recommendations set forth by the local and federal governments of Mexico, all Subway restaurants will continue to follow the chain's already established high standards for food safety and hygiene, such as mandatory glove wearing and hand washing procedures. As an added precaution, Subway restaurants in the area will be also be provided with masks for the staff to wear."
While reports spread of Egypt's decision to slaughter nearly 300,000 pigs as a precaution, the United States' Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said in a statement that the U.S. pork supply was safe. "There is no evidence or reports that U.S. swine have been infected with this virus. USDA is reminding its trading partners that U.S. pork and pork products are safe and there is no basis for restricting imports of commercially produced U.S. pork and pork products," he said. "This is not an animal health or food safety issue. This discovery of the H1N1 flu virus is in humans. Any trade restrictions would be inconsistent with World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines."
