Safety Seals restore consumer confidence

MANILA – The number of establishments applying for safety seals is growing as it aims to restore clients’ confidence by showing adherence to health and safety protocols against Covid-19.

The Safety Seal is issued by local government units to establishments that strictly comply with the Inter-Agency Task Force health guidelines and policies.

The certification standards include screening areas for customers, contact tracing procedures, and provision of handwashing and sanitizing stations.

Among those eligible for the Safety Seal are supermarkets, groceries, and membership shopping clubs; convenience stores; construction supply and hardware stores; logistics service outlets; barbershops and salons; and service and repair shops.

The Department of Trade and Industry said once an establishment applies for the seal, inspectors will arrive anytime to monitor compliance.

The Safety Seal may also be revoked if the establishment will have cluster of Covid-19 cases or there is willful violation of protocols.

Fast-food chain giant McDonald’s on Thursday announced that 110 of its branches nationwide have been awarded Safety Seals.

Managing director Margot Torres said the certification assures the public that their stores are compliant with the minimum public health standards.

The fast-food also integrated its contact tracing system with the government’s StaySafe.ph application.

“The Safety Seal is another way to show our commitment to safety, which has always been a part of our operating culture. We will continue to follow protocols across all branches to ensure the best and safest dining experience for our customers and a safe working environment for our crew and managers,” Torres said.

Torres said they are targeting to get the seal for all their 655 branches nationwide.

“We are glad that our M Safe program is aligned with the government’s institutionalized guidelines for public health and safety. We are always ready and willing to work together to create a better normal for everyone,” she said.