Enhancing Allergen Compliance in Chesterfield
The case study shows how Food Allergy Aware reduced risk and supported EHOs through their onsite Audits.
Case Study Client Overview
Business Name: Chesterfield Borough Council [CBC]
Industry: Local Authority
Department: Environmental Health Officers (EHOs)
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 7LF
BACKGROUND & CHALLENGES
Chesterfield Borough Council’s [CBC] Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) conduct food hygiene inspections at businesses within their jurisdiction. A key challenge they faced was the difficulty in effectively communicating the importance of allergen management, especially when businesses lacked basic food hygiene measures.
During inspections, EHOs often had to prioritize food hygiene matters, limiting their ability to carry out thorough allergen checks. Additionally, business operators frequently underestimated the importance of allergens, making it challenging for EHOs to convey their significance
WHY FOOD ALLERGY AWARE?
The council sought an independent expert who could conduct comprehensive allergen audits outside of regular business hours. This would ensure businesses received dedicated attention and support in understanding allergen management.
SOLUTION
A structured approach was implemented to improve allergen management, combining audits, staff training, and policy development. Tailored guidance and customised support materials ensured continued compliance, with ongoing monitoring from CBC ensuring continuous improvement.
Initial Assessment: Evaluated existing allergen management practices, online visbility
On-site Allergen Audits: to assess current procedures
Comprehensive training resources: for all catering staff
Tailored Guidance: on improved menu labelling and allergen communication
Policy Development: Reviewed processes, offering guidance to update their allergen policy
Customised Support Materials: Created workable documents to ensure ongoing compliance
Monitoring & Feedback: Via EHO site visits to provide ongoing support and guidance
RESULTS
Expert Industry Knowledge: Provided businesses with critical insights on allergen management and food safety, enhancing compliance
Increased Staff Confidence: Employees managed allergens safely
Improved Compliance: Empowered businesses to meet legal requirements and protect consumers effectively
Reduced Risk: More effective allergen controls in place
Enhanced Learning and Engagement: Businesses gained valuable knowledge through Food Allergy Aware’s dedicated time and expertise
Improved productivity and reach: enabled Council EHOs to target poor-performing venues more effectively from allergen audits by FATC and helped reduce the time associated with the allergen management section of the food safety inspection
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
“Carrying out this allergen project allowed dedicated time and engagement to be given to the food business operator by experts in their field, helping to build their knowledge and understanding of allergens.”
Chesterfield Borough Council
INVESTMENT
FUTURE PROJECTS
15 Business over 4 days
2 hours on site
5 hours pre /post preparation
Approximately cost per business £580*
*Includes set, up, calls, bookings, post audit report
Recording training webinar for Food Business Operations on the CBC website
Creating a Food Allergen Policy template specific for small business’s
Proposed Level 2 & Level 3 allergen management training going forward
Contact us...
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REFERENCES
Chesterfield Borough Council is happy to act as a reference for Food Allergy Aware regarding the success of the above case study. Permission can be requested via email to contact them for the following types of references: Please email Consultancy@fatc.co.uk in the first instance to make a request.
✔ Email Testimonials
✔ Telephone Conversations
✔ Social Media Shout-Outs
✔ Quotes in Articles or Blogs
✔ Possible Video Testimonial