Following the recent increase in the number of high profile cases in the news, is your business protected? Are your staff trained sufficiently?
Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) of the UK population consider themselves to have a food allergy or intolerance:
• 6% have food allergy
• 12% have a food intolerance (YouGov, 2015)
A quarter of UK households include at least one allergy or intolerance sufferer (YouGov, 2015)
It has been more than two years since the law on how allergen information must be provided by food businesses was changed, making it easier for people with an allergy or intolerance to buy food or eat out with confidence. Despite this, a recent survey by the FSA and Allergy UK found one in four had suffered a reaction while eating out since the new legislation came into force. It also found that nearly one in five of those allergic reactions resulted in a hospital visit.
Non-compliance can have major consequences, most importantly to the health of the allergy sufferer but also to your business through damaged reputation and potentially, prosecution. Very recently a restaurant owner was jailed for 6 years, convicted as negligent when a customer died after eating peanuts.
Staff Training
All staff (food handlers, service staff and staff taking orders by phone) are expected to be trained in allergen awareness to avoid any cases of negligence
- Staff must understand the importance of the current procedures
- Ensure kitchen staff inform the service staff of any last minute recipe changes
Food Alert work with businesses to deliver a comprehensive range of accredited eLearning and tutor-led courses. We offer Allergen Awareness training courses, either classroom based or through e-Learning.
Food Alert is offering a complimentary ‘training needs consultation’ to businesses during February 2017.
For more information please email: training@foodalert.com or call 020 7244 1900