Anyone who has read the news recently in the last few weeks might have to ask, "Why the long face?" The horsemeat scandal that has cantered galloped across Europe has highlighted problems that consumers face when trying to buy safe, quality ingredients and products.
It is one of the biggest food scandals since BSE in beef, but let’s be honest, most news stories involving the food and service industry are usually not as extreme as these two cases.
But, if companies are capable of getting into this much of a muddle over what meat they are serving, you might begin to wonder if other parts of they’re manufacturing process might need attention.
However this is not to say that reputable and responsible companies cannot take steps to reassure the general public that they take food hygiene and safety seriously.
Staff training is the biggest thing food companies can invest in to ensure high standards are held in creating what ends up on our plates. Different ruling bodies have different requirements for staff training. However by entering all staff for a food hygiene qualification, a company can prove they have taken steps to ensure compliance with any regulations.
In the UK, one of the countries most effected the by the horsemeat scandal, local authorities run food hygiene rating systems to test local businesses. A local scheme for food hygiene training in Norfolk began in 2010, but was expanded nationally across all local UK authorities.
The scheme does not compel companies to train staff, but employees with certification help to demonstrate a policy of compliance with hygiene laws, and the desire to maintain high standards.
Anywhere you get food from should be able put their hands on their hearts and be able to say they have taken due care and attention to get that food onto your plate. The horsemeat scandal demonstrates that not only should companies test their quality control systems, but that you should also take care.
Ultimately, you have a responsibility to be passionate not just about your food, but where it came from and how it got to be on your plate. Try and do some digging, buy only from companies who make an effort to explain their policies clearly and honestly. It is not about getting on your high horse, but taking some extra time in preparing your meals.
A fabulous meal takes time, preparation and maybe some skill to create. Choosing the right ingredients is part of this process. Food safety is something for us all to think about as recent events have proved; proper food hygiene and safety means not cutting corners and thinking about the food on your plate and who put it there. Make sure you can trust the food on your plate!
About The Author:
Ingunn writes about the importance of Food Hygiene Training in Norfolk and all of the UK.
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