COVID-19 and Retail Grocery Stores, Restaurants and Bars

While the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all segments of society, the retail food service industry has been especially hard hit. As the situation is constantly evolving, it is important to remain current and obtain information impacting your business from reliable sources. This news release highlights a few of the organizations and government agencies that can best answer your questions and provide further direction moving forward.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA)
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture offers the most up to date information related to Pennsylvania. Information specific to Pennsylvania restaurants and bars, including information on loans, compliance,  fact sheets and best practice guidance for retail food operations are available for download.

National Restaurant Association (NRA)
The National Restaurant Association COVID-19 resource page has specific information on policy, business resources, trainings available for free, posters and other materials. Additionally, they provide links to organizations such as the Small Business Administration and OSHA.

Pennsylvania Restaurant Association (PRLA)
Pennsylvania Restaurant Association provides daily updates specific to Pennsylvania restaurants of all types. This includes FAQ's and a section to submit questions you may have surrounding COVID-19 and your operation. Businesses can also add there name to a list of operations providing take out/delivery services as well as graphics to use in social media posts. Information on relief aid for businesses and employees is available.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides interim guidance for businesses and employers and important information on cleaning and disinfecting.

Penn State Extension
Penn State Extension has compiled many articles and webinars under the topics of food safety and food business, other business resources, general information and personal and family well-being. Emergency Action for Small Farms and Food Businesses in Response to COVID-19 will be updated frequently as new information is received.

We are currently not conducting in person ServSafe Manager Food Safety Certification classes. We do have an online option – TAP. The final certification exam for TAP Online Food Safety Course is a proctored exam. If you register for this course, we will schedule an exam once restrictions are lifted as it must be administered in person.

While our physical office locations are closed, Penn State Extension Educators continue to work remotely and are responding to phone calls and emails daily. Our Food Safety and Quality Team is here to provide information and resources to assist and support you.