Adding Tamper-evident Labels to Your Delivery Service

Delivery can open a new avenue of profit for a restaurant, but no matter how you do it, adding delivery creates new problems that the operator must solve. Delivery adds extra steps between the kitchen and the customer that must be factored into food safety considerations. Tamper-evident labels and tamper-evident bags can assure both the customer and yourself that food will arrive at the customer's dining table in the same state it left your kitchen. These easy-to-use, affordable additions can alleviate customer doubts about the safety of their food and enable them to enjoy a meal without worry.

Tamper Resistant vs Tamper Evident

Tamper-resistant equipment isn't the same as tamper-evident equipment. Tamper-resistant pieces are designed to make it difficult for an outside party to interfere with whatever product is contained within it, while tamper-evident accessories are intended only to let the customer know whether a product has been opened. For most restaurant delivery purposes, you only need tamper-evident labels or tamper-evident takeout bags. Tamper-resistant containers usually are used in medical applications rather than foodservice. Foodservice takeout and delivery services need packaging that's lightweight and relatively inexpensive to keep profits sustainable; anything strong enough to be tamper-resistant is unlikely to fit that bill.

Tamper-evident Takeout Bags and Tamper-evident Stickers

These are the two easiest ways for a restaurant operator to verify that their food has reached the customer's door unaltered. Depending on the style of container you use, one may benefit your establishment more than the other. Tamper-proof stickers for food delivery are great to seal to-go containers that have hinged lids. A simple tamper-evident label can confirm that the seal hasn't been broken on a piece that only opens in one direction. This doesn't work as well on round lids that can be opened from any side, though.

Additionally, if you have multiple small containers for your meals, one large tamper-evident delivery bag can protect all items at once. These bags also can save labor time compared to putting one small sticker on multiple containers, freeing up time to complete other tasks. The downside is that tamper-proof food delivery bags are more expensive than simple tamper-evident stickers. Both can provide a significant benefit to your delivery or takeout service. Some operators use tamper-evident stickers to seal their normal delivery bags, which can be a helpful compromise.

Do I need tamper-evident labels?

Most restaurants that offer delivery, takeout, or partner with third-party delivery services can take advantage of the confidence that tamper-evident stickers offer. With the lack of legislation regulating food safety within third-party delivery companies, customers may rightly worry that their food has been opened between the restaurant and their dinner table. A simple tamper-evident sticker can alleviate those fears and make the customer more likely to order from you than from a competing business that doesn't offer the same benefit. If you use hinged or clamshell takeout containers, tamper-evident stickers are quick and easy to use. If your business model involves multiple small containers or plastic, labels and stickers may not be your best bet.

Do I need tamper-evident delivery bags?

For the same reason you may need tamper-proof stickers, your business could benefit from tamper-evident to-go bags. These are beneficial because they can save time compared to stickers and labels – instead of placing a sticker on every box, you can put an entire order in a safe to-go bag and seal it once. This frees up hands to do more pressing tasks, of which every restaurant has plenty.

Whichever style of tamper-evident delivery equipment you choose, your customers will appreciate the reassurance that their food has been sealed between your kitchen and their doorstep. Tamper-evident labels can set your business apart from the competition and encourage safety-conscious customers to choose your food again.