Campaign launches to support food businesses

Here to Help which launched this week, is targeting businesses that have had to diversify in order to trade during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as newly established small and micro food businesses.

It aims to give food businesses’ help with the food hygiene and safety rules they need to consider if they have changed their operating model. In response to the many home catering businesses which have resulted during lockdown, there is also clear advice of the importance of registering businesses, as well as what they need to do to trade compliantly.

Michael Jackson, the FSA’s head of regulatory compliance said: "We understand how tough it’s been for the food service sector and how hard they have worked to overcome these difficult circumstances.

"At the same time, it’s really important for food businesses to understand the possibility of additional safety risks, introduced by changes they have made; and the steps they must take to address these risks – both for themselves and their customers.

"Working in partnership with Hull City Council, we really want to support businesses in getting it right – which is why our Here to Help guidelines sets out what they need to do, in a practical and easy way."

Rachel Stephenson, food, health and safety manager at Hull City Council, said: "We have seen the high fines and reputational damage that can result when a customer is made ill because of poor food safety management in the kitchen, inaccurate allergen information, or poor food hygiene practices.

"That’s why we want to work with the FSA to support the businesses in Hull to ensure they are registering, keeping us informed of changes, providing accurate allergen information and adhereing to the rules – to keep their businesses and customers safe."

Read more here.