From January 1st 2006 new laws set out in EU regulation 852/2004 on food safety management systems will come into force across the EU. This law was passed by the European Parliament in 2004 to ensure the hygiene of foodstuffs. However, it is not yet widely known in the UK food industry, even though it is highly topical given the recent Sudan 1 scare over chilli powder. But what does it really mean to UK food businesses?

The most significant change relates to the requirement for a food safety management system i.e. a risk-based methodology to ensure the safety of food produced or handled. Relying upon the established HACCP-based “good practice” will be insufficient. All food businesses other than primary producers (farms, fishermen and growers) will be required to demonstrate that they have implemented an effective food safety management system. The rules do give some flexibility depending on the size or nature of the business.

Commenting on the introduction of the regulations, Rob Renold, Managing Director of Handley-Walker Services Ltd comments:

“We know from the work we already undertake in the market place that many organisations are simply unaware not only of the new laws but also the impact it may have on their business – and this is of great concern. The Food Standards Agency is currently piloting three food safety management systems to determine suitability for businesses throughout the UK. Business may be running serious risks if they do not make a start soon on implementing appropriate systems and strategies now. They should not ignore it and they cannot do it in a few weeks at the end of the year. ”

In addition to the European regulations the British Retail Consortium released their global standard for food in January 2005, and in parallel ISO 22000, an international standard for a food safety management system is also in development. The final version of the international standard is due for issue around September 2005.

Rob continues:  “With an abundance of regulations it can be very confusing for food businesses to interpret and apply them to their own situation. We have developed a series of seminars and training courses that will assist businesses to the meet the food safety challenge of 2006, where our team of specialists will be on hand to explain the changes that are taking place and answer questions specific to your organisation. We can also provide on-site consultancy if businesses are not sure about how to apply the regulations or the various industry and voluntary standards.”

Rob commented "This is a good time for all food businesses to review their food safety activities and adopt a strategy for the future, either to meet the new regulations or to meet customer requirements for an auditable system based on the currently available standards."

Anyone who would like to know more about the seminars and training courses available should contact Handley-Walker direct on 0870 240 2093.