HOSPITALITY
Increase in food safety and hygiene prosecutions
The number of successful prosecutions for food safety and hygiene offences has more than doubled, according to recent research. Between 2013 and 2016 there was a 50% increase in prosecutions and, in addition, the average fine for organisations rose by nearly £5,000 during that time. The findings feature in an impact assessment published by the Sentencing Council and emanates out of The Health and Safety Offences, Corporate Manslaughter and Food Safety and Hygiene Offences guideline for England andWales, which came into force in 2016. The guideline helps to ensure that fines are proportionate to the circumstances and seriousness of the offence, including accountability and harm. Between 2013 and 2016, the number of organisations sentenced for food safety and hygiene offences more than doubled; increasing from around 60 in 2013 to 130 in 2016. Since 2016 this figure has remained stable. Most organisations sentenced for these offences receive a fine (94 per cent in 2017). An analysis of fine amounts comparing 10 months pre-guideline with 10 months post-guideline found that the mean fine amount increased from £2,200 pre-guideline to £7,100 in the post-guideline period Although fines imposed for these offences are generally lower than those imposed for health and safety offences, a similar pattern occurred with a greater proportion of organisations receiving a fine at the higher end, of £4,000 or more. This proportion increased from 11 per cent pre-guideline to 34 per cent post-guideline. The Sentencing Council report said: “The Food Safety and Hygiene guideline was expected to result in an increase in fines for larger organisations committing more serious offences. The analysis undertaken shows that overall there was an increase in fines imposed on organisations sentenced for food safety and hygiene offences, however based on the data analysed it is not possible to determine whether the increase affected organisations of all sizes, or solely larger organisations, as intended.” Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual, which provides cover
for three quarters of the UK’s farmers and thousands of businesses in the food and drink sector, is warning businesses owners across the UK of the dangers of poor food hygiene and safety practices. Darren Seward, food and drink sector specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Businesses which neglect hygiene are putting customers at risk and damaging the reputation of Britain’s food - so we welcome the increase in penalties. The vast majority of businesses work incredibly hard to meet their hygiene and safety obligation, and the irresponsible businesses which demean that are being held more accountable for poor conduct.” While prosecutions are increasing, further research shows that public recognition of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme stickers is also on the rise. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) published the findings for wave five of their Food and You survey and in it revealed that 87 per cent of respondents reported having seen the FHRS sticker. This confirms a steady increase in recognition since the scheme was introduced in 2010. And, furthermore, three in five respondents mentioned good service, a good hygiene rating score and the price of food as being important in their decisions about where to eat out. However, more worryingly, 47% reported they had experienced food poisoning at some time in their lives, an increase from between 40% and 41% in 2012. Michelle Patel, head of social science at FSA, said: “We work hard to make sure that the consumer is at the heart of everything we do. Food and You is a unique, robust and representative dataset, and is one of several ways that we build a robust and representative evidence base on the interests of consumers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when it comes to food.” The FHRS is based on a rating system 5 down to 0, with 5 representing hygiene standards being ‘very good’ and 0 indicating ‘urgent improvement required’. The latest report reveals 13 businesses in Gloucester rating as 1 or below, four businesses in Cheltenham, six in the Forest of Dean, 12 in Tewkesbury and 19 in Stroud l
70 | May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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