I know, Carrybean. I just can't help myself #o

Sidetracking a little

In Australia, restaurants are starting to refuse to give doggy bags due to concerns about hygiene. ie as the food has been sitting on the table for some time, then packaged and sent home, the restaurant has no control over the temperatures and contamination etc.? They don't want to be sued for food poisoning. Is this happening in the States?

This is the policy from the Victorian Government:

"Doggy bags

Doggy bags differ from normal take-away foods. Take-away foods are intended to be eaten away from the premises, and are served by the food business at the appropriate temperature and in appropriate takeaway containers.

Many people are unaware that uneaten food taken from a restaurant or cafe in a doggy bag may be unsafe for human consumption. Food for doggy bags can be exposed to a number of hazards that can increase the levels of food poisoning bacteria.

There are no laws that prevent restaurants and cafes from giving customers doggy bags however, food businesses can minimise risks by:
· Having a procedure in their Food Safety Program for dealing with doggy bags.
· Having a leaflet or messages on menus explaining the risks of doggy bags to consumers; and
· Seeking advice from insurers."