Home delivery services have become increasingly popular, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has proposed draft requirements for those working in the home delivery service in Saudi Arabia. One of the key requirements outlined is that workers must wear clean outer clothing that provides a decent professional appearance. This uniform is mandatory and must be suitable for the worker’s tasks.
In addition to wearing a uniform, facilities engaged in the delivery service must have a valid municipal license and a home delivery permit. The duration of the home delivery permit should not exceed the duration of the municipal license. Furthermore, the data of the vehicles used for the service and the workers must be attached, and if a third party is involved, the data of the operating company must also be provided. It is crucial for the means of transportation used to have all the necessary licenses from the competent authorities.
The facilities that provide home delivery service are required to use cars or bicycles that are equipped and prepared specifically for home delivery. The vehicles must have the facility’s name or trademark displayed on them, and proof of the right to use the vehicle must be provided. It is essential for the vehicles and their equipment to be cleaned and sterilized periodically to ensure that there are no pollutants or odors affecting the food being transported. Bicycles used for delivery must have boxes made of non-rusting, durable, and easy-to-clean materials for transporting food.
When it comes to transporting medicines, they must be wrapped in a closed bag. In addition, the packaging materials used for transporting food must be non-absorbent, tasteless, and odorless. They should not interact with the food or cause any health damage, changes in the nature or properties of the food. The packaging materials must be new, tightly sealed, and stored in a designated clean area away from any pollutants. Containers used for drinks and liquids should be tightly sealed using adhesive seal, heat sealing, or sewing, and it is recommended to use metal cans for drinks.
The regulations also require food packaging containers to bear warnings in Arabic and English, as well as the establishment’s name or trademark on the official uniform or delivery box. Delivery workers must wear a face mask and hand gloves at all times when transporting food products and are prohibited from placing the food box in the seat next to the driver. They must clean and sterilize the food box before receiving food, ensure it has no holes or cracks, and not remove or open the adhesive seal during transport.
Personal hygiene practices are also emphasized in the requirements, such as regularly washing hands, keeping nails short and clean, and refraining from smoking, eating, or drinking while delivering food products. It is crucial that delivery workers do not carry out food deliveries if they are sick, have contagious wounds, or ulcers, and must be medically fit for the job. Educational training courses on food safety are recommended for food transport workers to ensure the safe handling and delivery of food products.
