According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 600 million people – almost 1 in 10 worldwide – fall ill after eating contaminated food each year, resulting in 420,000 deaths. And in the UK alone, around 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness are reported annually.
All too often, businesses think of food safety as a matter of reacting to incidents when they arise. But, as you know, the true mark of excellence lies in taking a proactive approach. Join us as we explore why proactive food safety is critical for safeguarding your customers – and your success.
The importance of proactive food safety
Simply relying on reactive measures to manage food safety can have disastrous consequences. In the event that an incident does occur, your business can face fines, closure, and legal action. More devastatingly, it can lead to severe health consequences for your customers.
Beyond the immediate financial fallout, reactive approaches can erode consumer trust. If your business is perceived to be unsafe or negligent, you can quickly lose your customer base. And in today’s digital age, news of food safety incidents spread rapidly – while negative reviews and media coverage can stay online forever.
What does proactive food safety look like in action?
Proactive food safety means identifying potential hazards and implementing control measures before they become issues. This could look like…
- Keeping detailed supply chain records
- Performing regular health checks of food-handling staff
- Identifying common allergens in food preparation zones
- Implementing rigorous auditing processes
- Providing suitable PPE to kitchen staff
- Ensuring workers receive regular training
- Receiving Safe to Trade certification
By focusing on prevention, you can ensure a safer dining experience for your customers – and a positive reputation that stands the test of time for your business.
Partner with an expert
At Shield Safety, we’re world-class experts in all things safety. From facilitating industry-leading training across HACCP, allergy awareness, and much more; to powering organisational safety management through our innovative tool, RiskProof.
Plus, Safe to Trade certification provides a mark of excellence for your business – serving as a powerful marketing tool that sets you apart in a crowded industry.
Don’t wait for a crisis to react. Get in touch today to embrace proactive food safety.
