Legal advice: Food safety

FOOD SAFETY has never been more vital than it is today - and next month's Food Safety Week (June 9 to 13) puts this issue firmly in the spotlight.

Were you aware that as many as 5.5 million people in the UK may suffer from food-borne illnesses each year? That's one in 10 - all of which costs the hospitality industry an estimated £1.5bn in lost business and compensation. These startling figures underline that food safety in the hospitality industry is absolutely paramount.

At the very least all food businesses must obey the letter of the law and supply food that is safe to eat. Legal issues apart, this is also the way to protect a hard-earned reputation for excellence.

Additionally, there is a growing concern over food safety among local authorities and the wider community, with schemes such as Scores on the Doors, a subject I will cover in more detail in a subsequent column.

Initiatives such as Food Safety Week help to put the importance of food safety into the public eye and as such should get the full backing of our industry.

Safety practices

The aim of this UK-wide campaign is to raise awareness of good food safety practices, the basic principles of food hygiene and the best ways to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA), which is the leading sponsor of this year's event, will shortly announce the official theme for Food Safety Week. It is safe to say that the four 'Cs' - cleaning, cooking, chilling and avoiding cross-contamination - will remain a major focus.

As in previous years, the FSA is encouraging people to carry out local initiatives, particularly those focusing on vulnerable groups and those caring for them, in schools and community groups.

To support those involved in this kind of activity the FSA has produced some marketing items, which are available free of charge and can be ordered on registering interest at foodsafetyweek@ecgroup.co.uk