Training video launched
Thursday 31 October 2002
The Agency is targeting small to medium sized independent catering businesses with 'Bacteria Bites Business' – a practical, innovative video tackling training at work in food hygiene.
The video is being sent free of charge to over 330,000 catering businesses across the UK from the end of October.
The eight-minute instructional film is aimed at raising awareness among catering industry workers and vividly brings to life the daily 'on the job' actions vital to ensuring good food hygiene knowhow.
Produced by Jacaranda Productions, the film dramatises the 4 Cs – Cleaning, Cross-contamination, Chilling and Cooking and graphically illustrates the dangers lurking in every kitchen and how to avoid them easily.
The film transports the viewer to a normal urban environment and a typical café.
As various couples and individuals enter the café for a meal or snack, we watch the three main characters: waitress, chef and kitchen assistant, going about their food preparation duties.
The air is heavy with suspense and a sense of foreboding as we wait to see how the story will unfold.
The film highlights food hygiene issues in an entertaining style and can be used as a training tool in catering businesses, catering colleges and by Environmental Health Officers.
Claire Boville, of the FSA's microbiological safety division, said: 'Our research with caterers indicated a need for practical support and information that can be used to help promote best practice in the workplace.
'We hope the materials the Agency has developed as part of this phase of the campaign will go some way to addressing this need.'
Businesses that haven't received a copy by the mid-November can call Food Standards Agency Publications line on 0845 606 0667 or minicom 0845 606 0678 to request a copy.
Information specifically for catering businesses is available on the dedicated campaign microsite at www.food.gov.uk/cleanup