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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
![net zero by 2050](https://www.hsqc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/net-zero-by-2050_800.png")
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.
In the news this week:
Friday 7 June is World Food Safety Day 2024.
- One in ten people worldwide fall ill from consuming contaminated food each year.
- Over 200 diseases are caused by eating contaminated food.
- 40% of the foodborne disease burden is carried by children under 5.
Governments, food business operators and consumers are called to action to tackle these areas.
As a food operator you must update your food safety management system, follow good hygiene practices and regularly train your staff.
As a consumer you must follow safe food handling practices in the home, report poor standards and labelling if you see these whilst out in the community.
HSQC offer support to food business operators in developing food safety management systems, offering hygiene training and auditing practices at a location. Contact us if you need any support with challenges arising from the article: [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.
A recent hotel stay for one of our consultants!
What are the potential health and safety hazards which come to mind? Which controls could be in place to negate the hazard? Has your hotel business got the correct documentation in place regarding windows?
If you need advice regarding the safety systems within your workplace, email us at: [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.
- Possible hazards include:
- Staff and customers falling out of the window
- Fall from height
- Contractor safety
- Lack of training or risk assessment
- Controls include:
- Fitting adequate window restrictors
- Staff and management checks on a regular basis to ensure restrictors are in place, in good repair and working correctly
The UK Health & Safety Executive says:
“Windows that are large enough to allow people to fall out should be restrained sufficiently to prevent such falls. The opening should be restricted to 100mm or less. Window restrictors should only be able to be disengaged using a special tool or key.”
Did you spot them all?