Atlantic provinces provide guidance on use of bulk bins

In Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, retailers can begin the process of moving back to allowing consumers to self-serve bulk food bins. Retailers should provide an adequate amount of time to notify customers that this change will be occurring. As part of their COVID-19 operational plans, retailers must detail the protocols that will be implemented to ensure that self-serve can be done safely.

Newfoundland and Labrador has updated its Guidance for Retail Establishments document and is also allowing customers to self-serve bulk dry goods and food products. Given that the guidance document has been released and operational plans are not required in Newfoundland and Labrador, the timeline to return to self-serve can be at the retailer’s discretion. However, none of the four Atlantic provinces are allowing self-service prepared foods buffets at this time.