Food Safety Authority reports increase in food complaints

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) reported a 13% increase in food safety complaints received through their helpline in 2011 compared to 2010. A total of 2,415 calls the Authority's helpline received in 2011 were related to food safety complaints: 966 callers complained about unfit food, 497 callers complained about suspected food poisoning, 446 callers complained about unsatisfactory hygiene standards and 509 callers complained about labelling and advertising or had other complaints to make.
Overall, the data published shows an increasing awareness of the public about food safety issues. Edel Conway, FSAI Information Manager: "The increase in complaints is a positive indication of people's heightened awareness of their right to expect high standards of hygiene and food safety in relation to food."

Food businesses that want to stay in business or even increase their business must deal with this heightened awareness pro-actively by making sure, hygiene standards follow best practice and all employees are sufficiently trained to deliver food safety at the highest standard.

There are a number of food safety training options available to food businesses. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has published guidelines for food safety training at three different levels of experience: Induction (level 1), Advanced (Level 2) and Management (Level 3).

Training at Level 1 and level 2 is available from MKRMS Food Safety, who deliver monthly Level 2 Food Safety Training (EHOA certified) and hold in-house inductions for employees as the need arises. In partnership with the Institute of Online Services, MKRMS Food Safety have developed a short and easy-to-use online training programme that meets the requirements of Level 1 (Induction) training. It is called Food Safety Essentials and can be accessed here: http://elearning.trainingios.com. The online course is certified by MKRMS, a certificate can be downloaded after successfully completing a short certification test.

A Level 2 food safety course will start on the 20th March 2012 in Westpoint, Clonard, Wexford. The course will run over four nights (6pm to 9 pm) on the 20th, 22nd, 27th and 29th March 2012. Places are still available. To book or for Information contact Matthias on 086-8355546 or email training@mkrms.com.