With many local food businesses taking on extra staff for the festive season, ABC Council is urging all employers to avail of a new online seminar which focuses on the dangers of food allergens.
To help our local businesses understand and manage the serious risks of food allergens, council’s Environmental Health officers have put together the Food Allergen Online Seminar, which is presented in a series of short videos.
This seminar, available here – www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/foodallergens outlines the main allergen foods and explains the dangers which they pose to those affected.
The four-part presentation also highlights the important procedures needed to identify and manage allergenic ingredients and the need for effective communication about allergens to both the consumers and staff members. Businesses are also advised of their legal requirements and how to manage the risks.
The first video, however, tells the tragic story of Megan Lee who died after suffering an acute asthma attack caused by an allergic reaction to a takeaway meal in December 2016.
Megan who was just 15-years-old and was allergic to nuts suffered a severe asthmatic reaction and passed away two days later in hospital. In sharing their heartbreak at her loss, the family of Megan said they want to alert every business to the real dangers of allergens and prevent any other families from enduring the pain caused by this preventable tragedy.
All food business operators are required to provide allergen information and follow labelling rules as set out in food law. This means that food business operators must provide allergen information to the consumer for both prepacked and non-prepacked food and drink, and they must also handle and manage food allergens effectively in food preparation.
Food businesses are also required to ensure that staff receive training on allergens.
To access ABC Council’s Food Allergen Online Seminar please visit www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/foodallergens
If you require advice on meeting your allergen requirements contact the Environmental Health Department on 0330 0561 011 or email
