Chesterfield onsite audits summary page
How to Book your Audit
The Food Information Regulations [FIR] were introduced in 2014. As a result of these regulations all Food Business Operators are now required to provide safe food for the Food Hypersensitive Customer [FHS]. This means that those customers who have food allergies, food intolerances and coeliac disease must be able to access accurate and verifiable information about the allergens present in all prepacked and loose food prepared or served by a catering business.
These regulations were amended following the death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse and Natasha’s Law was introduced on 1st October 2023 .This meant that all foods considered Pre-Packed for Direct Sale [PPDS] must be labelled with all the ingredients. As a food business you are advised that you must be fully compliant under the FIR 1169/2011 & Natasha’s Law when providing allergen information and producing foods for the FHS customer.
With the above in mind Chesterfield Council is supporting businesses to meet these new rules by offering FREE audits for those struggling to comply with this legislation. We are working with the team at ‘Food Allergy Aware’ to offer onsite audits for week commencing 14 October 2024, where your menu, and processes will be reviewed by an expert in allergen awareness. You will be offered FREE guidance regarding the improvements needed to ensure your business complies with this legislation.
If you have been invited by Chesterfield Council to participate in the FREE Allergen on site audits, please click here to book.
Sessions run from Monday 14th – Thursday 17th October. Calendar link
Note: Bookings are subject to change. We have allowed 30 minute intervals between audits, however timings may be dependent on location.
The available time slots are on a first come basis:-
- 08:30 – 10:30,
- 11:00 – 13:00
- 14:00 – 16:00
- 16:30 – 18:30
Once you have reserved your audit, you will be sent a link to complete some pre-audit information for Food Allergy aware. This should to be completed within 24 hours of making the booking. Or, you can click here to complete your pre-audit information. Please complete within 24 hours of your time slot reservation or your booking may be cancelled
Why it is Important to be Allergy Aware
Boost Your Business’s Safety and Reputation: Take Advantage of Chesterfield Council’s FREE Food Allergy Audits
In today’s food industry, safety is more than just good practice—it’s a fundamental expectation. For takeaways and small businesses, ensuring that your customers are protected from food allergens is critical to both your reputation and bottom line. Chesterfield Council, in partnership with Food Allergy Aware, is offering a fantastic opportunity that no food business should miss: FREE allergen audits. These audits are designed to help you identify potential risks, improve your food safety processes, and protect your customers.
Why are Allergen Audits important?
Food allergens are a major concern in the food industry. Even small traces of an allergen can lead to severe, sometimes life-threatening, reactions. For small businesses and takeaways, where food preparation processes may be less formalised, the risk of cross-contamination can be higher.
An allergen audit will help you:
- Identify Risk Areas: Understand where allergens might be unintentionally introduced into food.
- Enhance Safety Protocols: Get expert advice on improving your handling, preparation, and labelling processes.
- Build Trust with Customers: Demonstrating a commitment to food safety can enhance your reputation and customer loyalty.
- Real-Life Case Studies: The Impact of Allergen Safety
To understand the importance of allergen safety, let’s look at some real-life examples where businesses have both succeeded and failed in managing food allergens.
Case Study: Restaurant owner jailed for six years over death of peanut allergy customer
Paul Wilson died after eating a takeaway were the owner swapped almond (Tree Nut) powder for cheaper one containing peanuts (Legume).Paul, 38, suffered a severe anaphylactic shock in January 2014 after eating the takeaway containing peanuts from the a takeaway in North Yorkshire. Read More
Case Study: The Tragic Lesson of “The Spice House”
Unfortunately, not all stories end positively. “The Spice House,” a takeaway business, failed to properly manage allergen information. Megan Lee with a severe nut allergy was served a dish containing nuts, despite having informed the staff of her allergy. The incident resulted in a severe allergic reaction and subsequent legal action against the business. The takeaway was forced to close temporarily and faced significant financial and reputational damage. This tragic case highlights the importance of proactive allergen management to save lives. Read More
Case study: Girl died from sip of Costa Coffee drink after ‘failure to follow allergy processes’
Inquest finds communication failure led to death of Hannah Jacobs, 13, as mother decries ‘tick-box’ allergy training. A 13-year-old Hannah with a severe dairy allergy died after drinking a Costa Coffee hot chocolate after a “failure to follow the processes in place to discuss allergies”, an inquest has concluded.
Hannah Jacobs, from Barking, east London, who had been severely allergic to dairy, fish and eggs since she was a toddler, died within hours of taking a sip of the drink on 8 February 2023, east London coroner’s court was told. Read More
Take Action: How Chesterfield Council’s Free Audit Can Help You
Chesterfield Council’s partnership with Food Allergy Aware offers your business the tools and knowledge needed to prevent incidents like the one at “The Spice House.”
By participating in the free allergen audit, you can:
- Receive Tailored Advice: Experts will visit your premises and provide personalised recommendations.
- Ensure Compliance: Stay up to date with the latest food safety regulations.
- Protect Your Business: Reduce the risk of costly legal battles and protect your brand.
Dates:- Week Commencing 14th October. There will be four time slots per day and booked on a first come, first served basis
How to Apply:-
Taking advantage of this opportunity is simple. If you have been invited by Chesterfield Council to participate in the FREE Allergen on site audits, please click here to book.
Any queries please email Caroline Consultancy@fatc.co.uk to schedule your free audit. The process is straightforward, and the benefits are immense.
Conclusion
For takeaways and small businesses in Chesterfield, this free allergen audit is a golden opportunity to improve food safety, build trust with your customers, and protect your business from potential risks. Don’t wait for a mistake to happen—take action now, and ensure your business is a safe place for everyone to enjoy.
Secure your spot today and let Chesterfield Council help you safeguard your customers and your business.
