Pub trade calm in face of swine flu

As the number of swine flu cases topped 100,000 in the UK last week, the pub trade remains calm in the face of the pandemic.

BII director of membership Steve Howe said it hasn't seen an increase in calls for information or advice on swine flu from its members. "I'm not sure why, perhaps people are following Government advice already. We stand ready, our staff are briefed, and we are dealing with it as appropriate", he said.

The organisation has sought guidance from CMI (the food safety and assurance provider), and posts regular updates on swine flu on its members only site area. Howe added that advice is also available from its helplines — the HR helpline can advise on absenteeism and welfare at work, while its business support helpline can offer advice on everything from "leaky roofs to difficulties with paying rent".

David Salisbury, managing director of Salisbury Pubs which operates four venues, said: "We've had a couple of cases among staff, but I wouldn't say people are worried. Everyone is doing what they are supposed to do and staying home when they should. We've got out back to work policy in place so staff don't bring the flue back in. And there's lots of hygiene and handwashing."

Swine flu cannot be transmitted through eating pork related products, but normal food hygiene precautions should be followed. The swine flu virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 70 degrees, which corresponds to general guidance for the preparation of meat products.