Food Alert launches Technical Advisory Board to keep hospitality sector ahead of the curve

Food health and safety consultant, Food Alert, has launched a new independent Technical Advisory Board, established to provide the sector with the most up-to-date information on legislation, best practice, and future challenges. This team of subject matter experts will convene every month to share the latest insights from their respective fields and feed into the information that Food Alert provides to its clients.

The Board’s scope includes food safety and nutrition, health and safety, but also carbon capture and sustainability, with a dedicated sub-committee for each area. The sub-committees will identify key issues, upcoming legislation, and new research in each sector, contributing to Food Alert policies and templates to ensure that they best reflect and assist clients with the latest challenges facing their business. Board members will also author articles, whitepapers and run webinars, lending their expertise to unpack new developments in policy and best practice.

Health and safety concerns for both customers and employees were the main subjects of discussion at the Board’s first meeting held on January 8th, with members offering unique perspectives on the practical experience of implementing allergen regulations, such as Owen’s law, and how to display nutritional and allergen information correctly. Enforcement quality and pest control were also discussed as huge challenges for the hospitality sector – particularly due to cuts in enforcement budgets and increased restrictions, meaning there is less resource available to combat infestations.

David Bashford, Managing Director at Food Alert, said: “Food safety regulations are increasing in number and complexity, making compliance a serious challenge for our large-scale clients at Food Alert. The Technical Advisory Board ensures that the advice they receive from us is cognisant of the latest developments in a digestible and actionable format.”

Lisa Ackerley, Chair of the Technical Advisory Board, added: “The purpose of the board is to bridge the gap between those shaping legislation and best practice in the food safety and sustainability industries, and the businesses implementing it in their daily operations. This independent group will contribute decades of experience as well as current knowledge, leading the drive towards a safer food industry that works in practice, not just on paper.”

To find out more about the Technical Advisory Board and Food Alert, visit: www.foodalert.com/technical-advisory-board/