Vending machines “remain safe and open” amid coronavirus fears

The European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA) has reiterated that vending machines across the continent “remain safe and open” despite coronavirus fears.

The association – which represents international vending and coffee companies including Selecta, Lavazza and Crane – has stated that operators and technicians of vending machines have implemented measures which ensure that vending machines remain hygienic, including intensified cleaning and disinfection of surfaces such as buttons.

Additionally, the association has issued guidance to consumers to ensure that vending machines remain a hygienic source of food and beverages.

This includes a reminder for consumers to sanitise their hands before touching the buttons on a vending machine; telling consumers not to cough or sneeze on a vending machine; to keep a distance of at least one metre between themselves and other consumers, and advising that consumers choose a single-use cup over a reusable one to ensure that beverage dispensers remain hygienic.

A statement released by the EVA said: “The spread of the coronavirus is causing great uncertainty among consumers and customers, and we would like to reiterate that vending machines are a reliable and safe way to obtain food and beverages.

“Vending machine operators, fillers and technicians place food safety and hygiene as top priorities in their daily service, and are trained in both personal hygiene and protection against infections.

“During the current health crisis, operators have also put in place measures to ensure that the disinfection of machine surfaces is also carried out as regularly as possible.”