Net Zero by 2050

Posted on | by Kevan

net zero by 2050In the news this week:

HSQC is publicly committed to achieving Net Zero carbon neutrality by 2050. As an environmentally conscious business we are working towards the following targets:

  • Using ULEZ compliant vehicles, with the ambition of being electric-only by 2030.
  • Using public transport for travel where practicable.
  • Maintaining Working From Home when possible.
  • Moving towards paperless communication.
  • Using non-toxic baits for pest control where achievable.
  • Promoting the use of low energy lights in electronic fly killers.
  • Continuing the responsible  disposal of waste

We have an ongoing partnership with Fare Share, the UK’s largest charity fighting hunger and food waste. Together, we save good food from going to waste and redistribute it to frontline charities.

HSQC offer support to food business operators in developing food safety management systems, offering hygiene training and auditing practices.  Contact us if you need any support with any of the above or to discuss our Net Zero commitments: [email protected]

HSQC have over 40 years of experience as a leading international safety and quality management consultancy. Our team provide technical advice and laboratory and scientific support to businesses in the hospitality, food, leisure, tourism, and catering industries.

World Food Safety Day 2024

Posted on | by Kevan

food safety hazardsIn the news this week:

Friday 7 June is World Food Safety Day 2024.

  • One in ten people worldwide fall ill from consuming contaminated food each year.
  • Over 200 diseases are caused by eating contaminated food.
  • 40% of the foodborne disease burden is carried by children under 5.

Governments, food business operators and consumers are called to action to tackle these areas.

As a food operator you must update your food safety management system, follow good hygiene practices and regularly train your staff.

As a consumer you must follow safe food handling practices in the home, report poor standards and labelling if you see these whilst out in the community.

World Food Safety Day 7 June 2024HSQC offer support to food business operators in developing food safety management systems, offering hygiene training and auditing practices at a location.  Contact us if you need any support with challenges arising from the article: [email protected]

HSQC have over 40 years of experience as a leading international safety and quality management consultancy. Our team provide technical advice and laboratory and scientific support to businesses in the hospitality, food, leisure, tourism, and catering industries.

Full article from World Health Organisation here (07.06.24)

electric fly killer best usage

Insectocutor queries

Posted on | by Kevan

insectocutor fly killerRegular queries come up during audit visits relating to the proper usage of electric flying insect killers.

Do they work?
Where should they be placed?
How often should they be cleaned?
Should they be kept on at all times, even through a cost of living crisis?
What is the best way to prevent flying insects from entering food premises?

If you need any pest control advice regarding the systems within your workplace, email us at: [email protected]

HSQC have over 40 years of experience as a leading international safety and quality management consultancy. Our team provide technical advice and laboratory and scientific support to businesses in the hospitality, food, leisure, tourism, and catering industries.

 

 

 

  • The short answers:
  • An insectocutor does help with the prevention of flying pests in food premises. It is normally a requirement of a food safety management system to provide one as pro-active pest control.
  • They are best placed in a dark area so the Ultra Violet light attracts flying insects. They should NOT go above a work surface, this could end up with flying insects in food items meaning foreign body contamination.
  • The unit in the larger picture clearly shows dead flies inside it. This now needs cleaning. For the UV bulbs to be continuously working it is vital to liaise with your pest control contractor regarding the cleaning and maintenance of the bulbs.
  • Yes, the unit must be kept on at all times to attract flying insects into the UV light. Always use compatible UV bulbs. We have seen units where the UV bulbs have been replaced with normal light bulbs! These will not attract flying insects.
  • The best way to prevent flying insects entering food premises is having screens on all openable windows and doors.

Did you get them all?

Can you believe it’s not…?

Posted on | by Kevan

In the news this week:

There is an ongoing discussion about food labelling in the UK: when is it misleading, and are new proposals draconian? Are you confident about the correct labelling of milk, cheese and dairy products in your business?

HSQC can support your operation and offer advice on appropriate food labelling, just email us at: [email protected]

HSQC have over 40 years of experience as a leading international safety and quality management consultancy. Our team provide technical advice and laboratory and scientific support to businesses in the hospitality, food, leisure, tourism, and catering industries.

Full article from The Guardian online here (24.02.24)

How would you navigate a food borne disease outbreak?

Posted on | by Kevan

In the news this week:

A potential cholera outbreak left cruise ship guests in quarantine. What would you do if a food borne disease outbreak was associated with your premises?

For information and advice on the prevention of food borne diseases in your business, email us at: [email protected]

HSQC have over 40 years of experience as a leading international safety and quality management consultancy. Our team provide technical advice and laboratory and scientific support to businesses in the hospitality, food, leisure, tourism, and catering industries.

Full article from LBC News online here (27.02.24)

Hazards all around us…

Posted on | by Kevan

hazard analysisOne of our environmental health consultants was returning home and had to stop to snap this scene. Above the hedge is a gentleman undertaking some window cleaning activities on a domestic dwelling. On closer inspection he was standing on the conservatory roof with cleaning apparatus. Wow, so many questions!

Which potential health and safety hazards come to mind? Which controls should be in place to prevent a nasty accident?

If you need advice regarding the safety systems within your workplace, email us at: [email protected]

HSQC have over 40 years of experience as a leading international safety and quality management consultancy. Our team provide technical advice and laboratory and scientific support to businesses in the hospitality, food, leisure, tourism, and catering industries.

 

  • Possible hazards include:
  • Slip, trip & fall
  • Fall from height
  • Contractor safety
  • Lack of training or risk assessment
  • Potential Legionella from water spray
  • Controls include:
  • Use extension equipment from ground level
  • Work in pairs
  • Use appropriate working at height equipment such as mechanical lifts, fall arrest systems, towers

Did you spot them all?

Swedish water park fire

Posted on | by Kevan

fire safety hazard checksIn the news this week:

Video footage from a fire at Liseburg water park, showing how quickly the fire took hold.

For support with fire safety issues and inspections at your leisure facility, email us at: [email protected]

HSQC have over 40 years of experience as a leading international safety and quality management consultancy. Our team provide technical advice and laboratory and scientific support to businesses in the hospitality, food, leisure, tourism, and catering industries.

Full article from BBC News here (13.02.24)

Cancer risk from refrigerated potatoes?

Posted on | by Kevan

killer spudsIn the news this week:

Which food stuffs should not be refrigerated? The presence of acrylamide in certain food such as potatoes kept in the fridge and then cooked has been known about for some years. However, there is a growing trend amongst food inspectors to see whether food businesses know as much about its potential risks as they should.

For assistance with food safety and health and safety issues within your catering operation, email us at: [email protected]

HSQC have over 40 years of experience as a leading international safety and quality management consultancy. Our team provide technical advice and laboratory and scientific support to businesses in the hospitality, food, leisure, tourism, and catering industries.

Full article from Food Standards Agency here (26.04.22)

Full article from MSN.com here (16.02.24)

Is your fire safety regime up to date?

Posted on | by Kevan

fire safety checksIn the news this week:

A terrible fire took hold and destroyed an apartment block in Valencia. It was reported that fire alarms within the building did not work.

For assistance with fire safety issues within your business, email us at: [email protected]

HSQC have over 40 years of experience as a leading international safety and quality management consultancy. Our team provide technical advice and laboratory and scientific support to businesses in the hospitality, food, leisure, tourism, and catering industries.

Full article from The Guardian online here (23.02.24)