THURROCK Council has held its first-ever training workshop for local food businesses to help them ensure residents with allergies can buy with confidence.
More than 30 participants representing takeaways, home catering services and restaurants in the borough attended the allergen workshop delivered by Essex Trading Standards at the Civic Offices, Grays, yesterday (Thursday, 17 October). The morning workshop was aimed at supporting local food businesses in complying with current allergens legislation with experts covering legal requirements – in which 14 allergens such as eggs, peanuts and sesame seeds are identified; practical solutions for providing consumer information including labelling; and how to produce and deliver allergen safe food.
In the UK it is reported that approximately 10 people die every year from an allergic reaction to food with many others ending up in hospital. Teenagers and young adults are at particular risk of severe reactions.
Cllr Shane Hebb, Deputy Leader of Thurrock Council, said: “Recent deaths from food related anaphylactic shock have been widely reported in the media and it is vitally important that food businesses take their responsibilities towards allergens seriously.
“The council has provided a welcome opportunity to engage with and support local food businesses that need advice on how to fulfil current legislation. However, we will also take action, where necessary, to protect the public from businesses that pose a danger and are not providing accurate information about the allergens in their food.”
The council will host another allergen training workshop on Tuesday, 4 February 2020, and limited places are still available. To book email: trading.standards@essex.gov.uk
To report a trader who has broken the law or acted unfairly, contact Trading Standards on 03454 04 05 06.
