Blog Archives - The Food Safety Company

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Norovirus: A Silent Threat in the Irish Food Industry

Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is a highly contagious intestinal virus that poses a significant threat to the Irish food industry. As the leading cause of foodborne outbreaks, accounting for over half of all reported cases in Ireland, this microscopic menace can wreak havoc on kitchens and dining establishments, causing widespread illness […]

The Magic Behind Smash Burgers

Calling all burger lovers!! Ever wondered about the magic behind those perfectly thin, crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside smash burgers? Join us in this bite-sized blog where we unwrap the secrets of smash burgers. From their intriguing history to the artful smash techniques, we’ve got your cravings covered. Ready to sizzle? What is a Smash Burger? A smash […]

A Guide to Nursing Home Hygeine Requirements

Nursing homes play a vital role in providing care and support for elderly individuals. Maintaining a clean and hygienic nursing home is crucial to ensure the well-being and health of each resident. In this article, we will explore the essential hygiene requirements for nursing homes, highlighting the importance of adherence to these standards in promoting […]

From Carving to Cooking: A Safe Pumpkin Preparation Guide

Pumpkins are the quintessential symbol of autumn and Halloween. From carving a spooky pumpkin to creating delicious pies and soups, pumpkins can add a touch of magic to your fall festivities. But before you dive into pumpkin carving and cooking, it’s important to follow a few simple rules to ensure that your pumpkin journey is […]

Key Considerations for Safer Water in your Food Business

Food business operators have a responsibility for the quality of water used directly, e.g. as an ingredient in food production, or indirectly, e.g. in cleaning or processing during the manufacturing of food. The quality of the water used in food production must meet the basic standards governing the quality of drinking water, i.e. potable water […]

Boost Your Food Safety Standards with In-House Training

If you are a food business owner or manager, you know the importance of training your staff to comply with food safety regulations. When it comes to choosing the right training methods, there are many options available, such as online, public, or in-house training. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your […]

The Importance of Allergen Menu Compliance

Allergens used as ingredients in food must legally be declared by Food business operators (FBOs). Menu compliance can be achieved by identifying allergens in dishes and clearly communicating this information to customers and training employees accordingly. Let’s delve into the key aspects of allergen menu compliance and what it means for both customers and food […]

The Importance of Pest Control in your Food Business

The production of safe food lies in the hands of the food business operator. Part of that responsibility includes having adequate procedures in place to control pest activity within the business. Pest control is important because pests can carry harmful bacteria that can contaminate foods, i.e., Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, etc. Pests are a threat to […]

Your Guide to Starting a Food Business

Your Guide to Starting a Food Business If you are thinking of starting a food business, it is your legal responsibility to make sure your business complies with food law and produces safe food. In this article, we’ll be taking you through 9 essential points for anyone starting a food business. Register your food business […]

Essential Steps for Starting a Food Business: 9 Key Points to Ensure Compliance and Safety

If you are thinking of starting up a food business, it is your legal responsibility to make sure your business complies with food law and produces safe food. The following 9 points are a must when starting up you own food business. Register your food business Your business must be registered before you start operating, […]

The Scoop on Safely Handling and Serving Soft-Serve Ice Cream

Introduction: Soft-serve ice cream is a beloved treat that brings joy to people of all ages. Whether it’s a sunny summer day or a chilly afternoon, soft-serve ice cream has a way of satisfying cravings and creating smiles. However, as delicious as it is, ensuring its safe handling and serving is of utmost importance for […]

BRC (British Retail Consortium): What is it and what are the benefits?

What is BRC? Within the food industry, there are numerous standards that need to be followed to ensure the safety of all food produced. So, what is BRC and what are your organisation’s responsibilities in meeting it? The British Retail Consortium (BRC) first published its Global Standard for Food Safety in 1998. Developed to help […]

Cork Incubator Kitchens: Who is it for and What are the Benefits?

In our last article, we introduced you to Cork Incubator Kitchens – an initiative of the Cork County Council. Cork Incubator Kitchens have had great success with a range of clients so far. In this post, we are going to take you through the benefits of the initiative and who it is aimed at. Cork […]

An Introduction to Cork Incubator Kitchens

Cork Incubator Kitchens is an initiative established by Cork County Council with the aim of assisting new and existing food ventures to start, grow, and expand their businesses. Located in the Carrigaline Industrial Business Park, this state-of-the-art facility is comprised of two professional kitchens, fully equipped with fantastic equipment and storage areas. Previous clients […]

Food Safety Culture

Food safety culture is a mindset throughout all levels of an organisation, no matter its size, to put food safety to the forefront of its business goals and development. Evidence of a good food safety culture might be; commitment of all management and employees to produce and distribute safe food; leadership geared toward safe food […]

BRITISH RETAIL CONSORTIUM (BRC) GLOBAL STANDARD

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standard for Food Safety is one of the most prominent certification standards and has been adopted by food retailers and food manufacturers all around the world. It is an international Food Safety Management Systems Standard and is one of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognized certification schemes. The […]

The importance of allergen awareness

A food allergy is an abnormal reaction of a person’s immune system to certain proteins in food. These proteins are known as “allergens” and these reactions at times can be fatal. Incidences with allergens in developed countries has shown a steady rise since the 1950’s. In Ireland it is estimated that 3% of the population […]

Remote Working during Covid-19

How are you getting on at home? Since March most Irish workers are working from home and employers are managing their team remotely. Indications are that this working model will remain. People are saving time and travel costs but stress levels may not be lowered. It is now time to ask, “how are […]

Takeaway in the time of Covid

In these challenging times takeaway is most hospitality businesses only option due to a lack of outdoor space. Takeaways have their own obstacles such as a lack of revenue generation in comparison to full table service or the wider group of competitors in recent weeks. Below are a few novel ways of competing while increasing […]

Outside Dining in the time of Covid-19

This is a fast and affordable way of accommodating more people at an establishment in an effort to offset the loss in sales from government regulations. Many businesses failed to treat outdoor seating areas as an extension of their interior seating and instead saw it as it has always been, a few chairs put out […]