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Natasha’s Law – What it Means for Your Food Business

It is unlikely you won’t have heard about Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, the teenager who tragically died from anaphylaxis after eating a Pret a Manger baguette. Unknown to her, the baguette contained sesame seeds, to which she was allergic, and she had a severe reaction which sadly killed her.

Before pointing the finger at Pret-a-manger, it should be made clear that they acted entirely within the law. Currently, any products made fresh in house do not have to contain specific allergen advice on the packaging as any consumer who might have any concerns can ask an employee in store for the relevant allergen information.

However, Michael Gove has brought forward legislation to tighten the current laws on packaged food items. All pre-packed items, including those made fresh in store, will have to carry a full list of ingredients in order to provide further protection for allergy sufferers. This would include ‘hidden ingredients’ such as bought in sauces or condiments used in the food. Businesses will have to ensure they are fully compliant with these changes by summer 2021, when the laws will come into full effect.

The legislation has been brought forward partly due to a successful campaign by Natasha’s parents. Losing a child is an unthinkable tragedy and nobody would blame them for lobbying for the law to be changed, however, is changing the law reasonable and is it realistic to implement?

Whilst transparency in business is always essential, the new laws will place a significant burden on food establishments. Businesses currently work under very stringent food hygiene laws and to impose a law which requires a 100% guarantee that there has been no allergenic cross-contamination of a product prior to sale is risky, especially to allergy sufferers themselves. There can never be an absolute guarantee due to the amount of ingredients that pass through a kitchen in any 24-hour period, however thorough the cleaning procedure is.

Once products are out on the shelf, there is also no control over who handles any given item. Hypothetically, somebody with peanut traces on their hands could handle several pre-packed food items, leaving enough peanut residue to cause a reaction from an individual with a severe peanut allergy who might subsequently pick it up. Though this is an extremely unlikely scenario, it is just one external factor over which there is no control.

Businesses should, of course, take their share of responsibility in giving the public as much information as is sensible and relevant but it is not unreasonable to expect that the onus should also be on the allergy sufferer (and those looking after them) to exercise due care in their decision making when purchasing any food items.

However, there is another angle from which this can be approached and one the FSA and Defra might consider investigating. According to Allergy UK, a Mintel report produced in 2010 found that ‘44% of British adults now suffer from at least one allergy and the number of sufferers is on the rise, growing by around 2 million between 2008 and 2009 alone.’ Not all these allergies will be food related but a very significant number will be. Therefore, it follows that it would be judicious to carry out an in-depth analysis for this exponential rise in food allergies. Such a study would help to expose root causes and could enable additional regulation to be applied at foundational level, thus proving to be a greater help to allergy sufferers and it could even be the means of preventing allergies developing in the first case.

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Food Safety Training In Kent

Food Safety Training In Kent

For businesses that handle food, then food safety training is essential. Many organisations do not realise the importance of food handling training. In fact, the law requires that staff handling food need proper food safety training. To help your business comply, CaterSafe Consultants offer online and classroom courses for food safety training in Kent.

Why does your business need food safety training in Kent?

For any business that handles food, the government has set up stringent requirements that you need to follow. In fact, all food businesses must provide suitable and relevant training for any staff that handle food. As well as this, the government also requires staff to have instructions, supervision and training in food hygiene.

It is important to note that this training, is not a specific course run by the government. You can provide training to your staff through self-study, on-the-job training or through previous experience. However, when you are working as a team, it is often best for everyone to receive the same high standard of food safety training in Kent.

What food safety training in Kent does my business need?

While you must provide and staff that handle food with training, you can modify this training to best suit your needs. For example, caterers will often require different food safety training compared to retailers. Furthermore, those who handle food through logistics will need different training for those who prepare food in production units and factories.

CaterSafe Consultants tailor our training to suit your business needs. We offer both online and classroom course to best suit the requirements of your team and the convenience for your business. We provide a range of food safety courses such as Food Safety In Manufacturing and Food Safety for Retail. However your business handles food, we can tailor our training for you.

Looking for food safety training in Kent?

Get in touch with our friendly team at Catersafe Consultants, and we will gladly find the right course for your business needs. Call now for a free consultation on 01233 822 201.

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Food Safety Online Courses

food safety online courses

Without food safety training, consumers would have no confidence in the products they purchase. Furthermore, lack of food safety could cause illnesses and, consequently, can even be fatal. By providing food safety training to employees in the food industry, they can be confident in their ability to keep food safe. As a result, customers can have peace of mind that their food is safe to eat. One of the easiest ways for an organisation to remain compliant with food safety laws is to use food safety online courses.

The benefits of food safety online courses

The correct training is essential for staff who prepare, package, distribute and handle food. In fact, the legislation requires staff to have appropriate training or monitoring should they be involved in any food-related activities at work.

Food safety online courses allow your team members to access the training they need at a time that suits them. As a result, e-learning allows staff to learn at their own pace. This, therefore, also allows your business to train staff flexibly and consequently minimise the impact to your organisation.

What food safety online courses are available?

Catersafe Consultants offer a range of food safety courses to cover all requirements across the industry. We have specific food safety training for different food organisations including catering, manufacturing and retail.

With Catersafe Consultants, your team can also obtain the necessary levels in food safety training. Therefore, you can show your commitment to legislation and the Food Safety Act. Throughout the food chain, you can receive specific knowledge and awareness to keep food safe. Furthermore, you can ensure you observe the strict food hygiene principles.

Level one food safety courses provide a good general understanding and overview. For more detail, level two offers in-depth knowledge. Level two food safety online courses are ideal for those who work in a setting where there is food preparation, cooking and handling on a regular basis.

Find your perfect food safety online courses

Tell us your business requirements, and we will be able to suggest the best food safety courses for your needs. Call us now on 01233 822 201 for free, friendly advice.

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Food Safety Courses Kent

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.

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Food Safety Training Kent

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.

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