Press Release: A New Safety Culture

Major changes have taken place in food hygiene controls since January 2006, with the requirement under the EC Food Hygiene Regulation for all businesses to have in place documented procedures based on HACCP principles. The Food Standard Agency carried a survey of hygiene procedures, practices and controls in place in the food premise in Britain in 2005 based on the previous Standards and Code of Practice set in Food Safety Act 1990 to be replaced by the 2006 EC Hygiene Regulation. This was to provide a baseline to enable the Agency to measure future improvement in hygiene standards as a result of this new Regulation, also to help small and medium sized businesses adapt.

Based on this independent survey, through 125 organizations comprising of private Environmental & Safety Companies, non-governmental organizations, task force group and 73% of all Local authorities in the country; it is believed that the commitment of SME (small retailers, small caterers and takeaways particularly businesses of highest risks) is not impressive. This survey also recognised that one of the challenges of these businesses is the lack of capacity or inclination to embrace the help available, helps are usually harnessed by large businesses and companies.

Following the Agency's survey and other various approaches in tackling the growing Safety Concern, coupled with transitional Safety Challenges due to the new regulation, a national food Safety week was initiated. Safety+ in London has been studying the effect which the new regulation and its implementation by governmental agencies have on Ethnic Small and Medium businesses.

The National Food Safety Week is now an annual event organized by the Food Standard Agency, to promote the importance of good Food Safety Standards within the community. This year's event coincides with the ten years anniversary of SAFETY+ in London; the preferred Safety Trainer and Consultants for the Ethnic Small Medium Business in London. Our vision which is to empower and support SME business to Build, Grow and Sustain, delivered through hands on experience. We have the West African counties franchise for over 25,000 Safety Products and offer high level Safety Consultancy in West Africa.

With the fast growing population of Ethnic Businesses especially in the area of FOOD, the constraints of Environmental Health Officers' in our Local Authorities, further financial cut in the public service; part of initiatives to be deployed by the UK Government is geared towards 'Earned Autonomy' in order to address marginalization in frequency of inspection and enforcement(pending approval). Again, this new system if approved will have its effect on the frequency of Enforcement on Small Medium Businesses. It is obvious that the sustainability of SME business is irrevocably important to the economical growth of the country; no doubt the contribution of over 3million SME businesses in the UK cannot be overlooked.

The Team of Consultants at SAFETY+ are putting together several platforms in order to address this and many other Safety Concerns prior and after the implementation the new 2006 EC regulation particularly within the Ethnic Small Medium businesses. We have since acquired the expertise to address these issues, as we are able to readily reach this community and understand the culture / attitude.

SAFETY+whilst promoting good Food Safety Standards and Hygiene Practices during the National Food Safety week in June 2010 has collaborated its efforts with other Food Safety Practitioners to organize the very first SAFETY SEMINAR specifically for Ethnic Small and medium Businesses at three locations in the country; SE London (43 Peckham High Street, London SE15, for East /Central/North London (The Shoreditch Town Hall, EC1V 9LT and Portsmouth (The Oasis, 1a Upper Arundel Street, PO1 1NP) on Monday 7th, Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th June 2010 respectively, from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

More importantly, these sessions are FREE to all businesses, we ask you to register via text; 07846098414, 07956571641 or call; 0208 2929300 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your name, telephone number and address.

Topics of burning issues have been put together and they will be addressed by governmental Business Development Managers, experts in the field, Environmental Health Practitioners and an opportunity for Questions & Answers from the audience. Topics such as; Burden of Compliance, Business Development; possible or not possible?, Restriction of Personal Food Import, Clarity on Legislative Requirements, What is HACCP? How does it affect my business? and many more.

By attending this Seminar, delegates will learn how to implement appropriate control measures, have a better understanding of Food Safety Law and be more enlightened on forms of Cross Contamination.

This event is not to be missed, it will be informative, a good opportunity to connect with like minded business people, promote your businesses, engage in constructive networking and obtain a delegates CPD certificates and gift bags. We believe your involvement will demonstrate your commitment towards ENHANCING FOOD SAFETY CULTURE.

Dominga Martins-Odebunmi

SAFETY+

London BIC, 1 Electric Avenue

Enfield, EN3 7XU: Tel; 0208 2929 300

15th May 2010