subject: Firms 'cutting food safety measures' [print this page] These days, it is crucial for businesses involved in the production and sale of food to make sure they meet certain standards for safety.
For this reason, many have invested in compliance software to make accounting for their precautions easier.
However, one expert has warned that companies may be putting people at risk of food poisoning because they are cutting their spending on staff training.
According to Julie Barratt, director of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Wales, some organisations are failing to send food handlers on courses that would teach them the skills they need in order to prevent outbreaks, the Western Mail reports.
Even if enterprises have temperature sensors to help them ensure the safety of their offerings, it is vital for personnel to be aware of the issues involved.
She made her comments after research conducted by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health revealed that half of trainers believed the uptake of food safety training by firms was being negatively affected by the current economic conditions.
Seven in ten of those polled thought cost cutting was the main reason for this.
Ms Barratt remarked: "This survey is cause for concern and if this trend continues public health could be put at risk - potentially triggering a food poisoning time bomb.
"Proper instruction or training of food handlers in food hygiene is a legal obligation and businesses must ensure that their staff have the skills to ensure the health and wellbeing of the customers they serve."
Going on training courses can help workers learn the importance of using temperature sensors to ensure food is safe. It can also enhance their understanding of compliance software.
While businesses that do not invest in training may save money in the short-term, such cuts may be costly in the long-term as when transgressions of safety standards occur, organisations can be left facing costly legal action.
Also, their reputations may be damaged, meaning their future profits are harmed.
