Doggy bags

On this page

• Should a restaurant provide doggy bags?
• What are the risks of food in doggy bags?
• How can the risk of food poisoning be minimised?
• Resources

'Doggy bag' is the term used for a container of food left over from a customer’s restaurant meal, which is taken home by that customer.

There are potential health risks if food in doggy bags is not stored and handled properly after leaving the restaurant.

Should a restaurant provide doggy bags?

The Food Act 2003 does not prevent restaurants from providing doggy bags but there is certainly no requirement for restaurants to do so. Customers can take along their own container (doggy bag) to take leftover food home.

It is the responsibility of the consumer to store and handle this food taken safely to minimise the risk of food poisoning.

What are the risks of food in doggy bags?

Doggy bags are commonly taken away while the contents are in the temperature danger zone - between 5^oC and 60^oC - and have been for some time.

Bacteria that commonly cause food poisoning grow very well at these temperatures.

How can the risk of food poisoning be minimised?

If a restaurant does give doggy bags to customers who request it, they should:

• transfer food into new, unused, food-grade containers
• remind customers to store and handle food according to food safety guidelines

Resources

The NSW Food Authority, in partnership with Restaurant & Catering NSW/ACT, has produced a sticker outlining how to keep doggy bag food safe.

Staff at participating restaurants can attach the sticker to doggy bags so consumers need look no further for some sound food safety tips.

Stickers are available by calling Restaurant & Catering NSW/ACT on 02 9211 3500.