Catering at NAFAS Events
The potential problem
· Risk of causing sickness amongst visitors and members attending the event
· Dealing with any aftermath of food poisoning or sickness
· Financial losses in event of a problem with food that is unfit for sale or consumption
Typical results:
· Risk of sickness which could be long term and in exceptional circumstances fatal
· Dealing with immediate health effects and arranging medical attention
· Dealing with and answering enquiries from Public Health Officials
· Difficulty of establishing extent or spread of problem and responsibility
· Closure of event involved
Possible Scenario
Events that have been run by other organisations are not good and without due care and attention food hygiene problems could easily affect a NAFAS event.
Consider arranging for a Club or Area member to obtain a simple basic food safety qualification (Level 1 Award in Food Safety Awareness) in order to have suitable advice immediately available while demonstrating competence to members of Club and public attending event.
Look out for
Cleanliness of work areas
Suitable clean catering and serving equipment
Adequate hand washing facilities
Adequate food and equipment washing facilities
Suitable food storage facilities
Cold storage or freezers where needed
Properly laid out working areas
Obtain and use a catering thermometer
Eliminate
Involvement of anyone who is unwell
Open cuts or abrasions on hands
One person handling food and money
Food displayed in open containers
Accumulations of waste food
Unsuitable or dirty working clothes
Slips, trips and falls
Undercooked or overcooked food
Jewellery being worn by persons serving food
Uncovered or untied hair.
IF YOU SEE IT – ACT – DON’T LEAVE IT TO OTHERS
Legal requirements
Risk Assessments are a requirement under the * Management of Health and Safety at work regulations 1999. A risk assessment is required for the catering element of any activity. * Food Safety Regulations 1995. * Food temperature Controls 1995. * Food Safety Act 1990. * Food Safety and Hygiene regulations apply to all activities, other than at home, where food is sold or given away. Particular attention is needed when catering is provided for more than fivedays.
*These Regulations should be kept on Area/Club files for reference
