The Importance of Food Safety Training in the Food Sector

Ireland has built a reputation as a food destination given the quality of our ingredients and culinary professionals. And, is a significant contributor to the Irish economy. According to Bord Bia’s Foodservice Market Insights Report last year, it stated that the Irish ‘out of home’ sector was on track to generate €9.3bn across the island of Ireland, marking a record high.?

Therefore, food safety training is paramount in the food sector, where the health and well-being of consumers depend directly on the practices of food handlers. Whether in a restaurant, staff canteen or forecourt deli, ensuring that all employees are well-trained in food safety is not only a legal requirement but also a critical component of a successful food business and supports our valued reputation as a leading tourist destination, whether domestic or international.

The Importance of Food Safety Training

Food safety training is essential for preventing foodborne illnesses, maintaining high standards of hygiene, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) , food businesses are legally required to ensure that all food handlers are supervised and instructed and/or trained in food hygiene matters commensurate with their work activity. This includes understanding the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), which is a systematic preventive approach to food safety .

The benefits of comprehensive food safety training include:

• Prevention of Foodborne Illnesses: Proper training helps prevent contamination, which can lead to serious health issues such as food poisoning.
• Compliance with Legislation: Training ensures that businesses comply with regulations such as the European Union (EU) General Food Law Regulation (EC) 178/2002 and the Hygiene of Foodstuffs Regulation (EC) 852/2004.
• Enhanced Reputation: A commitment to food safety enhances the reputation of the business, building trust with customers and stakeholders.

Implementing Food Safety Training Every Day

To integrate food safety training effectively, it should be part of the daily routine and culture of the workplace. It’s not enough to just treat food safety as “common sense”; food businesses invest in ongoing training and ensuring employees have the most relevant certification to ensure they are equipped to safely handle food.?

It is worth noting that the FSAI publish the results of inspections on a monthly basis, naming businesses that have been served with Enforcement Orders. In 2023, a total of 92 Enforcement Orders were served, an increase of 19% on 2022. Of these, 79 were Closure Orders.?

In May of this year, 21 Closure Orders were served; a significantly high number. When publishing its figures, the FSAI continuously reinforces the importance of food safety training.

Here are some actions employers can take to ensure the importance of food safety is front of mind every day:

• Daily Briefings: Start each day with a brief meeting to discuss key food safety practices and any recent issues or updates.
• On-the-Job Training: Provide continuous on-the-job training where experienced staff can mentor new employees, demonstrating proper techniques and practices.
• Regular Audits and Feedback: Conduct regular internal audits to ensure compliance with food safety standards and provide feedback for improvement.
• Accessible Resources: Ensure that up-to-date food safety resources and guidelines are readily available to all employees.

Implementing these practices ensures that food safety remains a priority and becomes ingrained in the daily operations of the business.

Staying Updated with the Latest Food Safety Training

It’s important that employees understand why certain standards, processes and procedures are in place in relation to food safety. And, why there should be no short-cuts. Food safety training instils a clear sense of purpose behind cleaning, sanitising, appropriate handling of different foods and cross contamination. It creates a culture of diligence, responsibility and respect for customer well-being as well as:?

• Improved Safety Standards: Staying updated ensures that your business adheres to the highest safety standards, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
• Regulatory Compliance: Regular updates help ensure ongoing compliance with new regulations and industry standards, avoiding legal issues and potential fines.
• Enhanced Employee Knowledge: Continuous training enhances the skills and knowledge of your employees, leading to better overall performance and confidence in their roles.
• Customer Trust and Loyalty: Demonstrating a commitment to the latest food safety practices builds trust with customers, fostering loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.

But there can be some challenges faced by food business owners to bear in mind:

• Resource Intensive: Regular training can be time-consuming and may require significant investment in resources and training programs.
• Resistance to Change: Some employees may resist new procedures or frequent changes in protocols, which can affect morale and compliance.
• Operational Disruptions: Implementing new training programs and procedures can temporarily disrupt daily operations.

Relevant Legislation and Best Practices

Regardless of these challenges, which are easily overcome, there are legal obligations that food businesses must comply with:

EU General Food Law Regulation (EC) 178/2002: Establishes the general principles and requirements of food law, setting the foundation for food safety in the EU.

EU Regulation on the Hygiene of Foodstuffs (EC) 852/2004: Lays down the general hygiene requirements for food business operators.

Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act, 1998: Provides the framework for food safety control and enforcement in Ireland.

Best practices include adhering to HACCP principles, conducting regular risk assessments, and ensuring that all food handlers have access to accredited training programs.

Conclusion

Food safety training is a critical aspect of managing a food business, with significant implications for public health, regulatory compliance, and business reputation. By making food safety training a daily priority and staying updated with the latest standards and regulations, food businesses can ensure they provide safe, high-quality products to their customers while fostering a culture of safety and excellence.

At Ayrton Group, we provide comprehensive food safety training courses. Get in touch for more information on how we can support your food business with relevant training, guidance and advice.