In the news this week:

A BBC investigation has found that consumers are being exposed to an increased risk of food poisoning because of delays in food hygiene inspections.

Analysis shows one in five restaurants and takeaways had not been seen by food inspectors for more than two years.

Environmental health teams say a recruitment crisis and a backlog from the pandemic are behind the trend.

The public services union Unison said it was a “serious public health issue”.

A spokesman said: “Inspections are now so delayed that it’s perfectly possible for food businesses with shoddy hygiene practices to operate with little fear of ever being caught.”

The BBC’s findings come amid heightened food safety concerns following an E-coli outbreak in June linked to contaminated products.

Hospitality UK, which represents food and drink businesses, said three quarters of eateries gained the top hygiene rating score on their latest inspection.

“Despite the pressures the sector has faced in recent years, the safety of our customers remains non-negotiable,” a spokesman said.

HSQC offer support to food business operators in developing food safety management systems, offering hygiene training and auditing practices.  Contact us if you need any support with any of the above: [email protected]

HSQC have over 40 years of experience as a leading international safety and quality management consultancy. Our team provide technical advice and laboratory and scientific support to businesses in the hospitality, food, leisure, tourism, and catering industries.

Full article here: 30 July 2024

In the news this week:

HSQC is publicly committed to achieving Net Zero carbon neutrality by 2050. As an environmentally conscious business we are working towards the following targets:

• Using ULEZ compliant vehicles, with the ambition of being electric-only by 2030.
• Using public transport for travel where practicable.
• Maintaining Working From Home when possible.
• Moving towards paperless communication.
• Using non-toxic baits for pest control where achievable.
• Promoting the use of low energy lights in electronic fly killers.
• Continuing the responsible  disposal of waste

We have an ongoing partnership with Fare Share, the UK’s largest charity fighting hunger and food waste. Together, we save good food from going to waste and redistribute it to frontline charities.

HSQC offer support to food business operators in developing food safety management systems, offering hygiene training and auditing practices.  Contact us if you need any support with any of the above or to discuss our Net Zero commitments: [email protected]

HSQC have over 40 years of experience as a leading international safety and quality management consultancy. Our team provide technical advice and laboratory and scientific support to businesses in the hospitality, food, leisure, tourism, and catering industries.