EU takes a bite out of food safety rules
Food business operators with fewer than ten employees could be exempt from stringent EU regulations.
The European Commission has proposed an amendment to rules governing the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system.
Operators that predominantly sell food to the final consumer are excluded from the requirement to introduce food safety management procedures based on the HACCP principles.
This could apply to around 480,000 of 600,000 UK food businesses.
The HACCP system is designed to ensure that foods are prepared and served hygienically. It can require a team of people monitoring critical points in the production process and keeping records to ensure checks have been made.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has drawn up guidance called Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB). This is designed to allow flexibility in line with the original EC guidance.
If you are unsure whether or not you are affected, please get in touch or see the Food Standards Agency website at: www.food.gov.uk
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Tony Forster Head of Company Commercial
Martino Burgess Associate
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