Research released today reveals that almost a fifth (17%) of Londoners suspect the delivery driver has tasted their food en route. The majority – a whopping 84% – agree that food outlets should step up and protect their deliveries from tampering.

London leads the country in suspected food tampering, while the North East reports the lowest rate at just 3%.

The YouGov survey by retail and catering consumables provider, CCS McLays uncovers the top red flags for the quality of food deliveries. Among London adults who have ordered delivery food, temperature leads the way, with 48% citing it as a major issue. More than a third (36%) have been concerned about missing items, 34% by receiving the wrong order, more than a quarter (28%) have had concerns about the condition of its packaging, and more than a fifth (21%) say the poor state of food rang alarm bells,

The findings reveal widespread dissatisfaction among Londoners regarding the hygiene standards of food deliveries, with almost two-thirds (65%) expressing concern. Additionally, 64% admit they are “grossed out” by the thought of delivery drivers interfering with their food.

When faced with a negative experience, London consumers are quick to act: 33% say they wouldn’t reorder from the same provider, 63% would complain to the brand directly, 28% would warn friends, and 20% would leave a negative review on social media.

The CCS McLays survey also uncovers key factors that would enhance the food delivery experience for Londoners who have ordered delivery food: 52% value timely delivery, 42% opt for a sealed delivery container, 47% want a clear tracking process, 46% prefer tamper-proof packaging, more than a third (40%) seek an easy way to raise concerns, and 29% emphasise the importance of a pleasant interaction with the delivery driver. The findings also reveal that 86% of Londoners would expect food outlets to use a product that guaranteed their food delivery wasn’t tampered with and arrived in good condition, if such a product was available.

The findings come as CCS McLays launches the Seal2Go tamper-evident food delivery bags in the UK, which are designed to keep contents safe and improve customer experience.

Ian Hall, CEO of CCS McLays, said: “London consumers are becoming increasingly unforgiving when it comes to poor food delivery experiences. They’ll often give food outlets just one chance – if they’re dissatisfied, they’ll quickly switch to a competitor. In today’s market, it’s not about offering flashy extras. Getting the essentials right, such as ensuring food is secure, fresh, and tamper-free, makes all the difference.

“Our research shows that consumers are calling for urgent action from food outlets to safeguard their orders. In the US, there are already laws regarding protective food containers, with regulations in California mandating tamper-evident packaging for all food deliveries. While the UK isn’t at that stage yet, consumer demand is clearly heading in the same direction. Competitors are just a few clicks away for disappointed customers.”

CCS McLays’ Seal2Go tamper-evident food delivery bags are designed with the customer’s peace of mind at the forefront. Featuring an integrated tamper-evident system, the bags come equipped with foldable adhesive closure tabs and tamper-proof score cuts, ensuring an added layer of security that protects food from unauthorised access. Each bag includes a unique pull tab, requiring a deliberate action to tear it open, which not only reinforces the integrity of the contents but also provides reassurance to customers. Additionally, built-in vent holes allow for proper air circulation, helping to maintain the freshness and quality of the food during transit.