Back in March, the government’s emergency legislation in response to Covid-19, ordered restaurants and pubs to close down essentially overnight. The Catering and Hospitality industry remains one of the hardest hit by the crisis. As the months have rolled on and restaurants and pubs look to reopen their doors by potentially, early July, many wonder how things might have to change or become different post Covid-19, especially when it comes to food hygiene and food safety.

Post COVID or Post Lockdown?

The phrase ‘post COVID-19’ means after COVID-19. The prefix post- means “after” or “behind”.

If you take that at face value, this assumes the pandemic has finished so therefore COVID-19 controls will no longer be necessary and things can go back to the way they were, by virtue of the fact there will no longer be COVID-19 to control against. However, some people when they use the term ‘post COVID-19’ actually mean ‘post lockdown’ or ‘during the easing of restrictions’. We very much hope that things will return to normal as soon as reasonably possible!

While we remain optimistic, that does need to be balanced with a realistic mindset. We cannot predict the future, but COVID-19 has left its mark on all of us and as restrictions ease, there certainly must be measures that will have to be in place within catering establishments before business commences once again, as well as during service that will control infection and possible transmission of the virus. Some of these measures will be temporary, but some are likely to last longer.

 

Before returning to work and reopening

First of all, in order to safeguard both employees and customers alike, there must be necessary and specific prerequisites in place. This is to ensure foundational preventative actions are put into effect long before a customer sets foot on the premises. This will include but is not limited to:

  • Directors, Food Business Operators and senior managers alike, should have dialogue prior to staff returning to their workplace, in order to ensure that appropriate procedures can be developed and put in place before staff return. Further discussions should take place very soon after workers return to identify whether those controls are working and are being adhered to. It will also be necessary for further discussions as things evolve or anything significantly changes.
  • A formal review of the establishment’s Food Safety Management System and Risk Assessments to ensure adequate and additional controls are up-to-date and take into account current scientific and epidemiological information. This would involve: making sure that adequate virus controls are in place such as deep cleans which occur more frequently, perhaps considering the use of contract cleaners and also making use of new virucidal cleaning products, as well as anti-bacterial disinfectants
  • A strong emphasis on a good food safety and safety culture. A Food Safety Culture are the values, attitudes and behaviours that characterise a food establishment with regards to food safety. This is demonstrated by displaying to staff and customers that ensuring food safety is an important commitment and not just “lip service.” For this to happen, Food Business Operators, Managers and Supervisors must communicate standards and legal responsibilities of staff and the importance thereof. This is a continual process, which will reinforce good hygiene practice on a day-to-day basis. Examples of this could be:

 

  • Verbal or written instruction demonstrating good practice
  • The use of relevant training courses for staff 
  • Issuing company workbook and hygiene rules to inform staff
  • The use of notices or posters, markers, signs, tape and / or floor mats reinforcing this will serve as a guide and a visual reminder
  • Leading by example.

 

  • Additional Training for Furloughed Staff. As things will have changed considerably by the time staff return to work, make sure that staff are prepared and up to date with the latest information and any new or different control measures/ policies and that support is given for any queries they may have.

Cleanliness and Personal Hygiene

After prerequisites are in place, it is important that appropriate measures are carried out and continue when business resumes trading. Although studies to date show that the virus is not foodborne, it is even more important that food handlers regularly wash their hands thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds; keep their uniforms neat and clean, and any staff who are unwell or displaying coronavirus symptoms must NOT be at work but go home and follow the current government guidelines for quarantining. Food businesses should be aware that not only must basic hygiene practices be maintained but also areas of risk are recognised and that special attention is paid to these areas.

  Cleaning of surfaces and Touch Points

Any hand contact surface areas must be cleaned frequently in order to stop the transmission of the virus. Stringent and regular cleaning of door handles, tills, table surfaces, menus etc. must be implemented. It is also important that surfaces such as tables are antimicrobial, being smooth, impervious and without crevices for viruses to harbour in.

Screening of guests

In some establishments it may also be possible to send guests a health screening questionnaire upon booking and providing them with written information; reminding them of the guidelines regarding self-isolation, if they or someone in their household has symptoms of COVID-19.

The idea of temperature checking customers as they enter the establishment could also mitigate the risk of an infected individual entering and infecting others. However, in addition to asymptomatic cases, there have been cases of infected persons not exhibiting a high temperature as a symptom of COVID-19. Therefore, although this may be a useful tool, it is by no means infallible.

 Social Distancing and PPE

In order to practice social distancing within the premises, a few things may be done to aid in carrying this out:

  • A reduced set customer allowance number
  • Make use of outside seating areas (if possible)
  • Updated seating arrangement that conforms to the 2 metre rule (wherever possible)
  • The use of ‘long trays’
  • The ceasation of buffets
  • The appropriate use of PPE such as plastic face shields and disposable gloves

Although the above may seem straightforward enough on paper, this will present various challenges. We must acknowledge at this point that the area of social distancing is not so straightforward and is problematic (even potentially with a 1 metre distancing rule) not least for the following two reasons:

  1. One of the primary reasons people go out to restaurants, pubs and clubs is to socialize. Food is one of the primary binding forces of our culture and there is a lot more than going out merely to be fed. Social distancing is by definition not very social and will inevitably create an unusual and clinical atmosphere and will take away from the occasion.
  2. Many restaurants rely on volume of customers to make them commercially viable – it’s a numbers game. For customers to adequately socially distance it could mean that the majority of restaurants will need to run at a half capacity or less, which would not only lead to a drop in profits, but in many cases cause the business to run at a loss and subsequently, will be unlikely to survive under social distancing. This is one of the biggest challenges that will need to be overcome. It is however interesting that the current government advice is “…practise social distancing wherever possible.” (Emphasis added). In the many cases it will not be possible to socially distance.

These extra measures will likely be temporary and we, as a business hope things will return to normal soon. Some of our team had the opportunity to talk to an epidemiologist recently who believes that this virus is on its way out and it won’t be long now before it comes to an end. As much as we still need to be careful and remain on our guard, the measures we put in place must be proportionate to the level of risk. We should not be cracking the proverbial peanut with a sledgehammer! Are we really being driven by objective medical and scientific advice or are we being ruled by fear? It is important that common sense prevails and measures are reasonable and commensurate with the risks. It is important also that individuals balance and weigh-up the risks for themselves.

 

For practical advice on returning to work and workplace controls and to be COVID safe, please contact us.

Food allergy awareness week

Did you know that someone in the world is admitted to hospital every three seconds because of a food allergy reaction?  Furthermore, 20% of the UK population suffer effects by at least one allergy. Alarmingly, 44% of British adults suffer from an allergy and is continuing to rise.  Food Allergy Awareness Week begins on the 13th May 2018 to highlight the dangers of food allergies.

Food Allergy Awareness Week is here to help raise awareness of the difficulties that food allergy sufferers face and helps to educate individuals on what to do should an allergic reaction take place. Of course, the primary goal of Food Allergy Awareness week is to highlight the issue and reduce the number of problems and accidents from food allergies. For more people to have an awareness, it increases the amount of support allergy sufferers have. It also helps to prevent food allergy accidents from occurring.

Why Food Allergy Awareness Week is important to the food industry

When food products are contaminated or incorrectly label their ingredients, it can be fatal for food allergy sufferers. For the business, there are 14 allergens which legislation controls. By law, food industries need to highlight and include any allergens on the list of ingredients. Food companies must clearly indicate the allergens. Many companies will choose to highlight allergens in bold for the ease of the customers.

If allergens do not have a label, then liability can arise. Companies may suffer as a law of negligence or under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

Food allergy awareness training with Catersafe Consultants

Catersafe Consultants offer an insightful food allergen awareness online training. The course covers the 14 allergens that legislation controls. The training also explains the symptoms of food allergies and what can trigger them. This is an ideal course for those in the catering industry. Furthermore, Food Allergy Awareness Week is a perfect time to make sure your team stay compliant and increase their awareness. Sign up for the course here or discuss your training requirements by calling 01233 822 201.

Food Safety Courses

If your business is in the food sector, then your employees will need food safety training. If you make, handle, prepare or sell food, then your staff need training. Without sufficient training, supervision or instruction, you may face a scathing review from your local Environmental Health Officer. At CaterSafe, we know how important it is for businesses to have excellent health, hygiene and safety standards. With this in mind, CaterSafe provides a range of food hygiene courses Kent.

The benefits of food hygiene courses Kent

At CaterSafe, we offer training for food businesses in Kent as well as across the UK. We provide both onsite and offsite training as well as e-learning courses for complete food safety coverage for all team members and food situations. There are many benefits to having sufficient food hygiene training which includes;

Compliance

Training can help staff to understand the necessary legislation which can help to improve your compliance. This can help to increase your rating by inspections too.

Image boosting

Customers will look out for good and bad food hygiene practices. If customers are not happy that your business operates safely and cleanly, then it can damage your reputation. Regular training and refresher training can help to reiterate the importance of good food hygiene practice and make sure customers are happy that you prioritise their safety.

Reduce food wastage

Following the right food hygiene principles can help staff to be more aware of food storage and handling. Our training courses will also highlight pest control. All of which can help your business to minimise wastage which can save your business money.

Improve profits with food hygiene courses Kent

CaterSafe offers a range of food hygiene courses Kent and across the UK. Our courses can help to improve efficiency, provide practical tips and assure best practice approaches. All of which can reduce operational costs, improve your reputation and increase profits. Book your food hygiene course with our expert trainers by calling 01233 822 201.

Food Safety Training Ashford, Kent

For any worker that handles food, Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 applies. This is a legal requirement to make sure that food handlers have training or supervision when relating to food hygiene matters. To lower the risk of potential food hygiene hazards occurring, training is essential. At CaterSafe, we offer food safety training Ashford, Kent as well as across the county.

What food safety training does my business need?

The Food Regulations 2006 recommend training for food businesses. However, there is no requirement for specific training or a particular course. This means that your business can tailor the courses that you need to suit all members of your team.

Firstly, your food preparation team are likely to require in-depth knowledge to make sure that food is safe for consumption. A course that covers personal and premises hygiene is vital. Further understanding of pest control, food contamination and allergens are also helpful. These can help to reduce the risk of foodborne illness and allergic reactions.

For those who work in the front of house sector, who sell food but do not prepare any, we offer a food safety for retail. This course includes the practical measures that staff can implement in their daily work. All of which can help to minimise the severity of potential hazards. This course covers aspects such as waste management and how to safely hand food.

Food manufacturers also need adequate food safety training. CaterSafe offers a Level One Award in Food Safety for Manufacturing. This food safety training Ashford, Kent is delivered onsite or offsite to suit your needs. The course is suitable for those in low and high-risk food production.

Book your food safety training Ashford, Kent

Based in Ashford, Kent, we can provide training courses to business in Kent and across the UK. We offer courses in your business as well as handy e-learning online training, for your staff to take at their leisure. Get in touch to discuss your training requirements with our team and find the perfect course by calling 01233 822201.

food safety courses Kent

If your organisation is in the food industry, then there are many requirements you have to follow. Food hygiene is critical, and all food businesses have a responsibility to make sure that food is safe for consumption. Your Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plan (HACCP) will highlight your responsibilities for food safety. One area in the HACCP plan may be adequate training. At CaterSafe, we offer a range of food safety courses Kent to keep your food business safe and compliant.

Our food safety courses Kent

One of the easiest ways for employee learning is through e-learning. E-learning can be accessed anywhere at any time for complete convenience. CaterSafe offer a variety of detailed e-learning courses such as;

Level 1 Food Safety – This is the ideal induction course for new employees entering your food business. It covers the basic principles of hygiene, risks and hazards in a food setting. For those with no prior knowledge, this course is essential.

Food Allergen Awareness – In the UK, legislation controls 14 major allergens. This course is essential for a greater understanding of food ingredients, allergies and intolerances. As well as the detailed theory, the course also covers practical steps that your business can adopt today.

Level 2 Food Safety in Retail –  Food safety is not just essential in manufacturing and catering environments. There are many potential food hazards where food is sold, whether in shops, restaurants, hospitals or school. Consequently, this detailed course ensures thorough knowledge of the potential dangers in a retail setting.

Discover food safety courses Kent

As well as offering e-learning courses, CaterSafe also provides on and off-site courses with professional trainers. We can, therefore, tailor courses to fit your precise food safety needs. Our courses cover food safety in a variety of settings including, catering, logistics and retail. To find out which course is best for your needs, contact the CaterSafe training team on 01233 822 201.

Food Safety Training Kent

Food Safety Training Kent

In the last year, the UK alone had 2,265 food safety issues which warranted an inspection by the Food Standards Agency. Of the pathogenic threats, 45% of these relate to Salmonella. Furthermore, the number of allergen incidents was 187 in one year alone. To keep customers safe and your business compliant with the Food Standards Agency, food safety is, therefore, vital. At CaterSafe Consultants, we offer leading food safety training Kent.

Why is food safety training Kent important for your business?

When those working in the food industry do not comply with fundamental food safety measures, it can increase the risk of contamination and foodborne illnesses that can affect your business and customers.

Slipping standards in food safety can be devastating to businesses. Should a foodborne illness occur, this will, first of all, be harmful to the customer. However, this harm will damage the business reputation too. Depending on the severity, neglecting food safety can result in external inspections and consequently potential investigations. Furthermore, it can even result in criminal negligence.

Poor food safety can;

  • Mean a loss of revenue
  • Reduce business profits
  • Receive negative press
  • Damage your reputation
  • Result in bankruptcy or business closure
  • Lead to legal action.

With this in mind, food safety training has never been so necessary. At CaterSafe Consultants, we can help to make sure your foodservice professionals have the knowledge and skills to handle food safely. As a result, this can help to reduce the risk of contamination and food-related illnesses. Our food safety training Kent is a vital course to cover the risks to protect your business.

Contact CaterSafe Consultants for more information on Food Safety Training in Kent

Professional trainers deliver CaterSafe training. We are experts in the necessary compliance and offer training that complies with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance.

If you would like to organise bespoke food safety training, we can tailor courses to suit your business needs. Discuss your requirements and book your training today by calling 01233 822 201.

Chefs working

If you are a business owner or manager in the food industry, what would be top of your list for ensuring success and setting you apart from the rest?  The best menu, the best food or products, the newest techniques, the best décor, the best staff, the best location? Perhaps a combination of all of them or perhaps you really do lead the field in one or two and you’re a pioneering force within the industry.  But what about food safety?  Where does that feature in your list of priorities?

Food Business Operators have a legal, moral and commercial obligation to ensure the food they are producing is safe, and will not cause harm, injury or illness. With regulations and laws increasing and becoming ever tighter, good food safety procedures and training are imperative to the success of any business.  Whatever your field, inspections by your local authority are mandatory and your food safety processes will be subject to close scrutiny.

Most businesses providing food to the public will come under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme whereby, based on the results of an inspection, you are given a hygiene rating of 0 to 5, with 5 being the highest and 0 being the lowest.  Although you might choose not to display the certificate in your window if you get a lower rating, all results are available on the Food Standards Agency website, so there is nowhere to hide.

Inspectors seek to ensure that you are creating food and food products that are safe to eat.  It won’t just be the end goods they’re looking at but the whole chain of events from its inception to the final product and all the equipment, processes, procedures, methods and systems in between.

Inspectors will also look at your advertising and product descriptions.  Are you labelling your food, your menus and products accurately or are you being deliberately ambiguous and hoodwinking customers?  Alternatively, you could be unaware that you are misleading customers and need guidance.

If you fall short in any area, inspectors will not be forgiving and enforcement officers have the power to take a number of different actions, depending on the severity of the problem.  A best case scenario would be a ‘hygiene improvement notice’ where you would have to ensure you changed certain procedures in order to meet with government standards and law.  A worst case scenario would be for them to recommend prosecution which could lead to a fine, being banned from the food industry or even imprisonment.

With such rigorous regulations, excellent food safety practices need to be in place and all staff should be trained, either to a basic or more advanced level, depending on their level of responsibility and involvement in the production process.  You can choose to improve your business by updating your décor, changing the tablecloths, updating your menu or hiring more staff but these are choices that you have the luxury of making or not making.  Food safety is not an optional extra like any of these might be, rather, it is an absolute essential to the success and safety of your business.

Remember however, that as important as compliance is, it is not an end in itself, but rather a means to an end. (Otherwise it can end-up as a mere ‘box ticking’ exercise which in the end is counter-productive). Ultimately, the most important reason Food Business Operators must take food safety seriously, is for the safety and wellbeing of their customers. That should always be the starting point. This involves:

– Protecting food from all types of contamination

– Preventing harmful bacteria from multiplying in food

– Destroying any harmful bacteria through correct processing and thorough cooking

– Disposing of any contaminated, unfit and/or suspect food.

Finally, and very importantly, managers, supervisors and team leaders can massively help implement standards and maintain a good food safety culture if they lead by example and put into practice what they preach. Hypocrisy is a big turn-off. A manager who takes a ‘maverick approach’ to food safety, or is sloppy, will often find that their staff are too – and in reality, to a greater degree.

Here are just some of the many benefits in taking food safety seriously and promoting a good food safety culture

– Reduced risk of food poisoning

– Satisfied customers

– Good reputation

– Peace of mind

– Hygienic working conditions, which leads to increased staff morale

– Legal compliance.

On the other hand, here are some of the costs of poor food safety practices

– Food poisoning and/or food safety incidents

– Increased complaints

– Poor reputation

– Less profitability

– Low staff morale

– Legal action / fines

– Imprisonment

– Closure of the business.

 

Catersafe Consultants have a wide range of training available from eLearning to a trainer coming to your premises to train you and your staff.  We pride ourselves on thorough and comprehensive training, equipping you to put in place procedures which will ensure the highest standards; standards which are crucial to your business.  Get in touch – we’d love to help you achieve those standards and be a leader in your industry.

Check out our eLearning course on how to achieve a maximum Food Hygiene Rating for your food business! Sign up for a free trial today!

Food Hygiene Courses In Kent

The Training of Food Handlers

By law, those responsible for running a food business must ensure that food handlers receive food safety training which is ‘commensurate’ to their level of responsibility. In other words, the level of training that each food handler receives should be appropriate for their individual job role and work activities. This basically means that food business operators are required to evaluate the risks associated with the different job functions their food handling staff perform and then provide them with the appropriate food safety training.

Failure by food business owners to follow high standards of food safety can easily cause food to become defiled or contaminated, resulting in potentially fatal consequences for the business’ customers and financial disaster for the business’ owner.

The Benefits for Employers

Whilst the law does not demand that all employees go through a formal or an accredited food safety training programme, it would be very inadvisable to not do so. Based on our experience and dialogue with food business operators from a wide range of sizes and sectors within the food industry, the message is that these recognised courses are inclined to be more rigorous and the outcome in most cases tends to be a lot better; promoting a greater level of work engagement from staff and an increased commitment to their job requirements and areas of responsibility.
Employers should not see training as an optional extra or just as something to ‘get done’ to ‘tick’ the proverbial ‘box’. Neither should it be viewed as something to do to placate auditors or enforcement officers. But rather, as something positive which can have a direct effect on peace of mind and the overall profitability and reputation of the business.

The Benefits for Employees

As well as complying with the law, the main benefit of investing in training is ensuring that staff members are equipped to carry out their jobs competently, safely and confidently. It also ensures that standards across the establishment remain high and that consistency is maintained. As well as enabling employees to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date, staff training also has a direct impact on morale and productivity. For example, where staff members recognize that the business owners value their contribution because they have invested in training and development, this will generally show in greater commitment and longevity, and retaining skilled staff is key to any successful business. Just on a practical level, trained staff who are motivated to come to work because they feel valued is what all potentially successful businesses need.

Training does not stand alone

Training does not stand alone nor is it a panacea against food poisoning, mal-practice or contamination. Remember that knowledge without application is effectively useless. It is imperative that knowledge gained from training is applied. It is worth noting that in a lot of food poisoning outbreaks, ignorance is not always responsible.
Training should be underpinned by effective supervision, and is something that is not a ‘once for all’ event. Refresher training and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) should be carried out regularly to ensure that skills and knowledge are kept up-to-date.
Want a successful food business?
Start by investing in staff training!

CaterSafe can deliver a range of on-site and off-site courses by professional trainers, ensuring that you and your staff comply with the law and develop skills and knowledge to enhance your business.
For more details, please contact a member of our training team.

Frequently asked questions

Q. My staff need food hygiene training, but I haven’t got the qualifications or the time to train them, and I certainly can’t afford to close my business so they can attend a training course elsewhere. How can CaterSafe help?

A. We offer on-the-job training. We will come to you and train your staff in their actual working environment, so that all training is relevant and job-specific, and your staff aren’t absent when you need them most.

Q. Is HACCP mandatory for all food businesses, even a small business like mine?

A.Yes it is. HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is a legal requirement for all food businesses. You must have a food safety management system based on the principals of HACCP. Under current legislation, a “food business” is defined as an organization, whether for profit or not, public or private, that either prepares, processes, manufactures, packages, stores, transports, distributes handles, sells or supplies food. We offer technical advice (including a written, Food Safety Management System and HACCP Manual, specific to your business) and training so that your business implements and complies with these requirements in a way that is appropriate for you.

Q. I own a small business and I’m not sure that I would be able to afford your fees. How much do you charge?

A. If you’re very sensitive about cash-flow, then you probably can’t afford to close your business for even a day in order to rectify problems identified by your local Environmental Health Officer.

An initial consultation with CaterSafe is normally free and without obligation. We work with you to ensure the money you spend on our advice is an investment which adds value to your business. We don’t believe in a ‘one size fits all’ approach or in using a “sledge hammer to crack a nut”. Our fees are dependent on the size and complexity of your business. Clients will always receive details of our fees in writing prior to CaterSafe undertaking any work on their behalf.

Q: How much do your retainer packages cost?

A: Our retainer packages vary in price, depending on your specific needs and the size of your business and scale of your operations. Our packages start from as little as £40 per month which is an affordable and cost effective solution.

Q: Isn’t e-learning the way forward? What’s the benefit of sitting a ‘classroom’ based training course?

A: Whilst we offer a suite of our own high quality, accredited e-leaning courses (which are some of the best available on the market), our team of trainers are also fully qualified and experienced teachers, who have professional and widespread experience within education.

We have found that most candidates understand and retain information on our taught courses, much better, and therefore are more likely to apply the knowledge gained. This is why as a company, in most instances, we would advocate a ‘face-to-face’ taught course over an e-learning equivalent.

Whilst e-learning does have many benefits and can be an effective and convenient way to train, especially if time-constraints are an issue. However, a frequently encountered problem, in our experience, is the tendency for some learners to view e-learning as merely a means to an end; a quick and easy way to gain a “certificate” without expending much in the way of effort or cost.

We believe that in most cases (particularly at higher levels), deeper learning tends to take place when it has been delivered in a lively and passionate way, as well as learners benefiting greatly from the interaction with peers and tutors alike.

We aim to send your staff away from our courses, enthused; with a new vision in how to apply what they have learnt to their day-to-day duties, thus adding value to your business.

As a company, we base the way we teach on integrity and excellence. We believe imparting to our learners knowledge, which in turn effects behaviour, – rather than just ‘facts to pass a test’.