Festive sharing is coming to Christmas parties. However, many host are wary about festive buffets because they fear Omicron (a Covid variant) could infect them.
The latest version of the yuletide classics such as dips, nuts and olives are set to be cut.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid is yet to put Christmas festivities on hold until more is known about Omicron, saying UK cases are ‘very low’ – but a new survey this week suggests that 63 per cent of UK adults will give finger foods a wide berth at upcoming parties this year.
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While buffets might be an annual tradition, this year’s party hosts will not serve sharing platters.
The leading provider of hygiene solutions, INEOS Hygienics conducted the study and questioned 223 adults about their party plans.
A little over half of those surveyed said that they would be worried if there was a party with a buffet, as it could lead to more contact between guests.
Another finding was that 24 percent of the people in the study will request their relatives and friends to wash their hands frequently during holiday get-togethers.
George Ratcliffe is Chief Operating Officer at INEOS Hygienics. He stated that he was facing a problem this holiday season with what to feed our guests or the food you should expect if your family members are visiting or if they’re going to an office party.
“Finger food” has been around for a long time, but people are now more aware of the risk of spreading diseases to family members and coworkers. Hand hygiene is essential for protecting yourself and others.
Some dishes that may be excluded from the buffet menu are snacks like canapes, dips and nuts as well salads, mini-burgers and popcorn. People said that boards of Mediterranean-style Antipasti come with some risk.
Partie hosts claim they will offer individually wrapped items, including nuts and crisps to avoid buffet woes. Only 20% of hosts said they would continue offering treats like pineapple sticks and ham.
One in seven people said that they wouldn’t serve food to guests if they hosted them.
One in five respondents said they would ask for snacks to be brought to the event. 15% of respondents stated that their top priority was to keep family and friends safe during the holiday season.