More than 50 Clare businesses operating in the hospitality sector attended an information evening at
the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis last evening (Tuesday, 2 February 2016).
The Local Enterprise Office Clare organised the event in preparation for the hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Ennis this August.
Businesses involved with food handling, including cafés, restaurants, delis, garage forecourts, hotels and temporary stalls were informed of the need for them, and their staff to be fully compliant with food hygiene and food management requirements. A series of workshops were outlined which will focus on a range of topics from food safety, personal hygiene, and the collection, storage and preparation of food.
"The local hospitality sector will enjoy one if its busiest periods in many years this August when more 400,000 people visit Clare for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann," commented Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Clare.
"It is important therefore, that every effort be made to ensure that the quality of food produce on offer throughout Ennis and the wider county puts the sector in a good light while at the same time adds to the overall visitor experience," he added.
The first of three training workshops will feature a business clinic for owners, managers and supervisors of businesses involved with food handling.
Topics covered include Food Safety Checklist (registration, pre-requisites and HACCP), adapting a Food
Safety Management System to take account of additional service and increased volume, compliance with new EU regulations, and pre-empting non-compliance and resolving any existing non-compliance issues.
The second business workshop for operators of temporary food stalls will cover issues includ
ing registration, physical layout of stall, adequate equipment, risks and requirements associated with different types of food, personal and operational hygiene, and the purchase, collection, storage,
preparation, temperature control and transport of food.
The final workshop will facilitate certifying temporary food workers to FSAI Level 1 covering personal and operational hygiene, safe food handling practices, recognising the risk of chemical, physical, biological and allergens, demonstrating an understanding of cross contamination, and understanding appropria
te waste control and deliveries.
The Local Enterprise Office Clare, Áras Contae and Chláir, Ennis, Co. Clare, can be contacted on 065-6821616 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Further information is available from www.localenterprise.ie/clare.
