Frequently Asked Questions About Food Solutions

Q1. What do I get for my annual fee?

• Online access to our Handbook to Understanding the Food Hygiene and Safety Regulations.
  • This describes the regulations in practical terms, quoting text and official guidance and giving explanations in simple language where necessary
  • Research has shown that there is confusion between Regulations (what has to be done) and Best Practice (what it might be good to do). The Handbook gives you the facts

• Monthly update enewsletters
  • These are written in an easy to understand format to keep members up to date with existing legislation and that which is in the pipeline
  • food and drinks related news items

• Subscribers Helpline
  • clarification and guidance on any aspect of food related legislation or general business legislation
  • answers to queries on specific food regulations can usually be expected within 5 working days

• Handbooks
  • Quick Reference Handbook explaining simply what the regulations say you must to to comply
  • Food Handlers Food Regulations outlines the responsibilities for food hygiene and safety that all food handlers have whether they own the business or just do the washing up

• Checklists
  • Pre-inspection compliance check-list helps you assess your compliance as an inspector sees it
  • HACCP Checklist download from ehandbook area of the website - check your HACCP Food Safety Systems

• Training and advice modules
  • Within Ehandbook section of the site, training and advice sheets
  • Once completed, signed and dated the training sheets provide a record of your training programme
  • Direct links to the full text of the most important Food Regulations saving you time looking for them

• Direct Input to the decision making process in Europe
  • Food Solutions works with UEAPME representing more than 12 million businesses, employing around 50 million people across Europe
  • Food Business Operators voices are important. Decision makers listen when we speak at the right time. It is no good shouting after a regulation has been published in the Official Journal.
  • Food Solutions gives you the opportunity to make a difference.

Q2. What are the regulations?

Since 2006 common rules have applied in all the European member states. The aim of these rules is for a high level of protection of human life and health and the free movement of food and feed within the Community.

Q3. The Inspector tells me what I have to do. Why do I need Food Solutions?

The European Commission issues on average 200 regulations and directives to do with food each year. Most Inspectors have about 200 premises to check. When was your last inspection? Are you still up to date? Are you ready for your next inspection? If your Food Hygiene rating were based on your last inspection, would it be good enough?

Q4. I run my operation on my own. Can I really influence emerging rules?

• Yes. All new or amending rules have to go out for consultation before they are approved.
• Food Solutions alerts you to the main consultations and can relay your concerns directly to the lawmakers in Brussels and London

Q5. What is Food Solutions?

• Food Solutions is a non-profit seeking limited company.
• The four founders have all run their own businesses, so they have a practical approach to all aspects of business. See About us.

To subscribe please contact john@food-solutions.org