National Food Safety Week – 4th June 2020

There is no better time than National Food Safety Week to highlight important Food Safety practise that should always be adhered to.

In a pandemic situation like such, quite often, resources become limited, priorities change and consequently paperwork and administration goes out the window. For those of you who have gone through the remote BRC extension audit, you will be aware of the need to review your HACCP plan as a result of the ongoing circumstances. For those who have not yet initiated this process or are not formally certificated, you may have not considered this need. We would strongly recommend that all food businesses review their HACCP as a result and make any necessary updates.

A very common change for many restaurants and food businesses is the move from dining-in to dining-out. Whilst many organisations are already geared up for take away services thanks to Deliveroo and Uber Eats, for many, this is not the norm and there are numerous considerations that should be made and documented, these include but are not limited to:

> HACCP plan updated to reflect any changes in the product flow

> Takeaway packaging

> Consideration for deliveries; cross contaminations inclusive of allergens, temperature control

> Personal hygiene and fitness to work – this is key with the current pandemic and something that needs greater consideration for those offering a new delivery service

When using social media, we have noticed many locals setting up small businesses from afternoon tea delivery services to cocktails made on the drive at a distance. Both of which are operating as forms of food businesses and must be aware of the expectations by Food Standards Agency (FSA) with regards to HACCP. Operating as a food business without a sufficient HACCP is illegal.

For those food businesses who have completely closed down during these frightening and uncertain times, as its national food safety week – we have published a ‘Reopening Checklist’ for businesses looking to reopen. Click to download our GQA Reopening Checklist for food businesses during COVID-19.

Should you feel that you require a HACCP review, updated or creation or have any other food safety queries, please contact our office on 01782 512 127 to find out how we can help you – at a distance!