Food Hygiene and Safety

Five-star food hygiene and safety procedures

Thousands of people are affected by failed food hygiene and poor safety procedures every day, from vermin infestations to poor sanitation — the horror stories are endless.

Having a robust food hygiene and safety management system is essential for the protection of those who consume your products, or utilise your space for eating and drinking purposes.

The Health & Safety Dept is on hand to guide you through the maze of food safety legislation. We can help ensure your premises are ready for mandatory and enforcement visits by way of food safety / hygiene inspection. Our skilled advisors will go into depth in order to help you reduce the risk of receiving a low food hygiene rating by exceeding the minimum requirements of your local authority and enforcement officers.

We will provide you with a full report following the inspection of your premises, highlighting the need for any new process or procedure – we can even help write this for you.

What is a food management system?

A food safety management system (FSMS) is a detailed document that outlines how a business manages food safety and hygiene. Every business that handles, utilises, manufacturers, processes or sells food must have a robust management process for ensuring their food products are safe and free from risk.

Once the food management system has been acquired, it must be kept in place permanently. You should also keep up-to-date documents relating to your procedures, and review these procedures if you change how you work or how you produce food.

Our food safety experts can help your business establish hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) principles — giving you peace of mind that you’re correctly managing the food safety risks.

What is a HACCP?

To manage food safety, you’ll need Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP). In its simplest form, a HACCP is a systematic way of predicting what could go wrong and then making sure it doesn’t.

It involves the following:

  • Looking closely at what you do in your business, what could go wrong and what risks there are to food safety.
  • Identifying any critical control points a business needs to focus on, to ensure those risks are removed or reduced to safe levels.
  • Deciding what action you need to take if something goes wrong.
  • Making sure that your procedures are being followed and are working.
  • Keeping records to show your procedures are working.

It is essential to have tailored food safety management procedures and processes for your business. There is no one-size-fits-all in food safety. From documentation and food audits to general advice and support with enforcement bodies, our food safety experts are here to help.

And with our food safety eLearning courses, it’s never been easier to upskill your team. They are simple, fast and cost effective. Let’s keep everyone safe.

  • Food allergy awareness training
  • Food safety and hygiene training – Level 1
  • Food safety and hygiene training – Level 2
  • Food safety and hygiene training – Level 3
  • HACCP Awareness
  • Working in licensed premises/bar staff training

Why food management systems are important for your business

Having a robust food management system in place is key to protecting those who consume your products or utilise your space for eating and drinking. Failing to have food hygiene and food management systems in place can have serious consequences for your business. A breach of regulation due to poor hygiene can lead to enforcement notices, government fines, prosecution, and damage to your reputation.

It’s not just your business that will suffer, though. Failure to manage food safety risks can bring harm, potential illness or death to your customers.

At The Health & Safety Dept, we can help prevent this from happening by handling your food safety management system for you. We’ll inspect your property (and look at the current procedures in place), provide a report, and highlight any processes you need to implement. We can manage this long-term too, with things like regular reviews to make sure your procedures are up-to-date.

Do I need a food management system?

Not all businesses need a food management system. They are only required for businesses that handle, utilise, manufacturer, process or sell food. The food management system will ensure your food products are safe, free from risk, and that you comply with the legislations associated with food safety.

The regulations are designed to be flexible, and the procedures will be in proportion to the size of your business and the type of work you do. This means that small businesses should only need simple procedures and simple records in place.

Still not sure whether you need a food management system? Get in touch today and one of our experts can advise further.

Food hygiene FAQ

What is the name of the legislation associated with food safety?

There are three major food safety and hygiene legislations in the UK:

  • Food Safety Act 1990: Provides the framework for food legislation, creating offenses in relation to quality, safety and labelling.
  • General Food Law Regulation (EC) No 178/2002: Creates general principles and requirements of food law.
  • Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013: Revoke and re-enact with some minor changes to the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006 and certain provisions of the General Food Regulations.

What are the key elements of a food safety management system?

There are three critical components to a food safety management system: Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), Prerequisite Programs (PRPs), and other components required to complete a food safety management system. Each component is of equal importance, and without one another, a food safety management system can not be completed.

What must you do to comply with UK food safety and hygiene legislation?

To comply with the UK food safety and hygiene legislation, you’ll need to put in place and implement a food safety management system. This will protect those who consume your products or utilise your space for eating and drinking purposes. The procedures should be kept in place permanently, and reviewed if you change how you work or how you produce food.

What is the purpose of a food safety management system?

The objective of a food safety management system is to control food safety measures within a food business, and ensure the food they provide is safe to eat. All businesses that sell food must put in place, implement and maintain a food safety management system based on the principles of HACCP.

Is your food hygiene up to standard?

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