Propuesta de un modelo para el envase y transporte de alimentos preparados en el servicio de comidas a domicilio en la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop a proposal for a model focused on the packaging and transportation of food prepared for delivery within the city of Cuenca. This study demonstrates the lack of rules and regulations when it comes to processes for delivery within this area of the food industry which has had an exponential growth as a result of COVID-19. A qualitative methodology was used for this research. First, a document analysis was conducted with the intention to identify current food safety rules for delivery service. After that, digital databases, field work, and observations were used as data collection methods. Both the digital databases and field work were used to identify the establishments that sell food with an option for delivery in the city of Cuenca. Observations were focused on determining the state and condition of the container used and the number of delivery orders requested by customers. Finally, the process to verify and analyze the data collected in the observation phase were documented in an Excel file. The final result of this study is to develop a proposed model for packaging and transportation of meals. This research aims to establish the measures, conditions, and characteristics that the packaging and transportation must have to ensure quality and safety of the food being delivered. The model is also expected to be the basis of an initiative for the corresponding entities to officially develop individualized regulations focused on the most important areas of the food industry. Keywords: containers, food delivery, toxic substances, packaging