BHA launches online food safety compliance system

The British Hospitality Association has launched an innovative approach to managing food safety in all sizes of hospitality business.

It follows a highly successful, similar approach to fire safety which the BHA introduced in 2008.

Food safety has become a major issue for catering businesses with new regulations and recommendations coming on-stream on a regular basis, including a very confused introduction by the FSA and local authorities of Scores on the Doors.

The computer-based package, which has been devised in conjunction with John Dyson, the association's food and technical affairs adviser, eliminates the need for paper-based manuals and includes all the records of a business which can be easily accessed at any time because they are securely hosted in a database.

"The system provides all the information that a business will need to implement food safety regulations," says John Dyson.

The main features of the system are that it:

• Provides an overview of food safety legislation, and gives guidance on enforcement visits and how to respond

• Interprets government guidance and standards and is kept up-to-date as both UK and EC legislation changes

• Provides guidance on the implementation of HACCP principles in a practical manner and includes on-line and downloadable checklists to meet HACCP requirements for many menu items. Additional menu items can be added by contacting support@cocoms.co.uk

• Includes an e-learning training package on food safety awareness which exceeds the requirements of Level One and can be used to train all staff including new starters

• Self-auditing checklists which enable the operator to check on a regular basis that the business is complying with food safety requirements

• Advice on crisis management procedures including investigations of food poisoning allegations and foreign material complaints

• House rules which provide guidance on compliance with food hygiene

• regulations including policies relating to staff illness and allergies

• Comprehensive record system for due diligence

The system is already in use in Autogrill Catering operations throughout the UK.

Andrew Guy, managing director, says that since the company introduced it several months ago, its catering managers have found it easy to use and the e-learning food safety training is benefiting all staff.

"The system is an essential part of our due diligence and is helping us to maintain high standards of food safety in all our catering operations in the UK."

A package relating to Health and Safety is under development and will be available shortly.

The food safety package is available at a reduced rate to members of the BHA www.bha-compliance.org.uk as well as non-members.

Words: Clare Riley

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