FSA Press Release (2006/0653) 24 May 2006
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is launching a 'Safer food, better business' (SFBB) pack specially designed for small retail businesses, to help them comply with food hygiene regulations. The format of the pack and the focus on practical, jargon-free information follow the successful model of SFBB for caterers, which is already being used in thousands of businesses.
The new pack is suitable for small retail businesses and an estimated 60,000 such businesses will be covered by the scope of the pack.
Dr Kevin Hawkins, the Director General of the British Retail Consortium said: 'The British Retail Consortium represents a large number of smaller retailers who will directly benefit from this initiative. I would commend the Food Standards Agency for the way they have responded to the implementation of the EC Food Hygiene Regulation for small retail businesses by developing a pragmatic and proportionate approach to food safety management.'
David Rae, Chief Executive of the Association of Convenience Stores said: 'ACS was delighted to help in the production of Safer food, better business, and we're pleased to recommend it to our members and other convenience stores. Legislation on food handling and hygiene can be complex, and this guide simplifies it into understandable, common-sense language that will give practical help to retailers.'
The Agency worked with industry to develop a pack that would meet retailers' needs, while at the same time recognising the key role of local authorities. The Agency formed a working group to advise on adapting the pack, including representatives of SPAR, Snax 24, Jackson Stores, the Association of Convenience Stores and the British Retail Consortium (BRC), as well as environmental health officers and colleagues from FSA Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland .
David Statham, FSA Director of Enforcement said: 'The FSA is committed to helping all sectors of the food industry comply with hygiene regulations. The SFBB pack is designed to simplify the regulations for small retailers and we are delighted to be able to build on the success of the SFBB catering pack, which is already being widely used by catering outlets across the country.'
Copies of the SFBB retail pack will be available to businesses from 5 June 2006 . You can order a free copy from the FSA publications line on 0845 606 0667.
The pack can be seen on the FSA web site at: http://www.food.gov.uk/foodindustry/hygiene/sfbb/sfbbretail/ from where a copy can be downloaded in pdf format.