Budget cuts mean that the Food Standards Agency can carry out fewer food safety inspections – but what does this mean for you? Does this make you more at risk of food poisoning, or will there be less choice of restaurants willing to cut through the red tape? We believe neither, as restaurants still have the choice of taking food safety courses which can help them to remain within the Food Standards Agency rules.
Food safety is defined as the prevention of illness caused by bacteria and viruses, it also considers the avoidance of harm from chemical contamination. For example, when it was highlighted earlier in the year that a number of beef products contained horsemeat, this was investigated by the Food Standards Agency. Food Safety also looks at any products which include unwanted physical items such as glass or metal.
Food poisoning can cause serious illness with some types of illness potentially causing death. According to the Food Standards Agency, there are over one million cases of food poisoning every year in the UK which contributes to 500 deaths. The cost of food related illness in England and Wales during 2011 was reported to be £1.6 billion.
The control of food safety is very dependent on a number of regulations set by the Food Standards Agency. Any food business producing or selling food must follow these regulations to ensure that all customers are as safe as they can be. The monitoring and enforcement of food safety standards is carried out by a range of professionally qualified officers from the Food Standards Agency. This is one of the reasons there has been concerns over potential budget cuts.
However, if you work with food then you should have the relevant qualifications to ensure you are working safely with food. Whether this be an award in Managing Food Safety, Food Safety in Catering or a organisation specific qualification. It is your responsibility to ensure you do all you can to prevent food poisoning coming from your restaurant.
One of our popular courses is the Level 4 Award in Managing Food Safety. This is a 5 day programme which allows delegates to gain an in-depth understanding of food safety. There is also an emphasis on the importance of managing systems and staff correctly. It is vital that anyone managing or supervising staff has mastered good practice of food safety thus being able to pass on their knowledge to others.