CIVIC chiefs in Eastleigh have given a stern warning to residents to check their takeaway providers are safe before ordering.

This comes after a big rise in new food businesses in the borough as residents have begun setting up their own takeaway services, often from their own homes, in a bid to make money during the coronavirus lockdown.

In March and April, 14 new food businesses were registered in Eastleigh and then another 15 were created in May alone, which has led Eastleigh Borough Council to warn residents that they must properly check that a business is registered and safe before placing an order.

The Council’s cabinet Member for Economy, Councillor Derek Pretty, is "concerned" that some businesses may not be following the rules and operating safely.

He said: “Whilst many food and drink services have been unable to continue trading during the lockdown we have seen a rise in private traders cooking and baking from their own homes. We appreciate that people want to continue earning money during this difficult time, however the safety of our residents is our priority and we’re concerned that some are not being operated safely. We urge anyone trading in this way to be compliant with safety guidance and to register with the Council.”

Any business that stores, prepares, distributes or sells food and drink within Eastleigh, legally has to be registered with the council, including those trading outside of the borough but based within it.

Advice on how to operate safely, as well as a list of registered businesses - which updates every two weeks - can be found by visiting: https://www.eastleigh.gov.uk/business/doing-business-in-eastleigh/licensing-permits-and-registration/food-premises-registration.