Food Safety Assist

20/06/2025

How confident are you in your team's hand hygiene practices?

At Food Safety Assist, we know that handwashing is more than a routine—it's a vital control point in food production.

We support UK food businesses in maintaining high standards of hygiene and compliance. As a reminder:
- Hands must be washed thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap
- Always wash before handling food, and after contact with raw materials, waste, or equipment
- Use single-use towels to dry hands and minimise cross-contamination risks

Effective hand hygiene is a legal obligation and a key component of consumer protection.

Need training or compliance guidance? Get in touch with the Food Safety Assist team today.

19/06/2025

Hot Weather Brings Heightened Pest Risks – Is Your Site Prepared?

At Food Safety Assist, we understand that warm weather presents serious pest control challenges for UK

Increased activity from pests such as flies, rodents, and stored product insects during summer can compromise not only food safety, but also your audit readiness and brand reputation.

Now is the time to review and reinforce your pest prevention measures. We recommend:
• Verifying pest proofing and site security
• Ensuring cleaning protocols meet seasonal demand
• Strengthening monitoring and contractor oversight
• Aligning with standards such as BRCGS or SALSA
Our team works closely with clients to implement proactive, compliant pest control strategies that are robust, auditable, and tailored to their operations.
If you’re unsure whether your current controls are weather-resilient, we’re here to help.
📩 Get in touch to schedule a seasonal risk review or compliance audit.

19/06/2025

Today we've published 'Our Food 2024: An annual review of food standards across the UK' with Food Standards Scotland.

While food safety and authenticity standards remain stable in the UK, we're facing significant challenges that need addressing.

Local authorities are stretched thin with inspection backlogs and declining sampling rates. While recruitment of Official Veterinarians has improved, building a sustainable pipeline remains challenging.

When it comes to consumers, one in five UK households reported that they are finding it difficult to access affordable, nutritious food for their families. Also, most adults and children in England are not eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, highlighting the need for greater support for people to achieve a healthier diet.

As we mark 25 years since the FSA's establishment, we remain committed to ensuring food is safe, what it says it is, and that consumers can make informed choices about the food they eat. But the food system will continue to change, and maintaining these standards requires collaboration across government, industry, and regulators. We look forward to working with partners across the food sector in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to achieve a food system that works for everyone.

⬇️ Download the full report now: https://www.food.gov.uk/our-work/our-food-2024

17/06/2025

The Institute of Food Science & Technology, on the advice of the Sensory Science Special Interest Group (formerly the Professional Food Sensory Group), has authorised the following statement, issued in June 2025, replacing that issued in October 2020, June 2015, January 2010 and May 2005.

17/06/2025

is non-negotiable.

In 2024 alone, UK authorities issued 320 major product recall alerts. , mislabeling, and risks can lead to costly recalls and reputational damage. Proactive is key to protecting your and customers.

Take action today, review your protocols and ensure .

Learn more here:

Creating a HACCP food safety management system ensures your business controls hazards and avoids food risks. Get in touch with our experts today.

11/06/2025

: Do You Understand the in Your ?

isn’t just about , it’s about protecting your customers and your reputation.
🔍 Identify hazards: Biological, chemical & physical risks.
📊 Assess & prioritise: Focus on the most critical risks in your process.
🛠️ Control measures: Hygiene, ingredient testing & supply chain checks.
📜 Stay compliant: UK food safety laws & industry standards, like BRCGS, matter.
🔄 Monitor & improve: Regular audits & staff training keep risks in check.
A proactive approach to risk assessment can keep your products safe and your business thriving.

Remember- Safe Food Sells.

11/06/2025

Attention Small & Medium !
Your food labels aren’t just a legal requirement—they’re your reputation in every package!
✔️ Clear & compliant labels build trust with customers.
⚠️ Accurate allergen info prevents health risks.
📜 Meeting UK regulations keeps your business safe from fines & legal trouble.
Not sure where to start? Food Safety Assist can help! 🏆
We can guide you through compliance, ensuring your meets legal standards without the stress.
Small businesses thrive on trust & quality—let’s get your labels right!

09/06/2025

Get labelling right

Lewis Wallis and Helen Arrowsmith of Campden BRI outline the importance of clear labelling when making nutrition and health claims to empower consumers’ in

06/06/2025

Nanoscience is being widely used in the pharma sector and with further research could offer the food sector a superb new method for quick and accurate allergen detection.

05/06/2025

🚨 Paperwork Overload? 🚨
It’s time to ditch the hassle and make the switch to digital record-keeping! 📲
A handheld recording device that creates quick, flexible reports could be the game-changer you need.
And the best part? Our expert consultants are ready to guide you from start to finish!
✅ Save Time
✅ Stay Compliant
✅ Reduce Stress
Join the future of effortless management today!
📩 Message us to learn more!

03/06/2025

Do you regularly calibrate machinery and equipment?

Thermometers, scales, timers, metal detectors and x ray machines, ovens etc are examples of machinery which require accurate measurement to ensure standards.

Annual or bi-annual checks should be carried out on equipment by a qualified calibration professional. These checks should adhere to national standards and be fully traceable. Oh and remember to document all results.