Training guidance for multicultural workforces in the chilled food sector is now available. “Food Safety and Hygiene Training in a Multicultural Environment” has been developed by representatives of the chilled food industry in association with Food Northwest and Industrious (formerly Horizon European). It highlights good practice for the food manufacturing sector and is targeted particularly at chilled food and drink manufacturers who directly employ, or who use the services of a labour provider to supply, workers who may be from different cultural backgrounds.
The Guidance outlines procedures and gives practical examples of action which employers can take to ensure that their legal and moral obligations are met. Its recommendations complement existing food safety and hygiene management arrangements. The Guidance covers:
• Managing culture and diversity
• Effective recruitment
• The use of risk assessment techniques
• Communication
• Induction and training
• Successful supervision
• Efficacy of training
• Guidance on creating a positive hygiene and food safety environment in a multicultural workplace
• Appendices: ESOL Framework, Example job descriptions; Précis of key hygiene/food safety legislation; and Legal aspects of employment.
Commenting on the Guidance:
Greg Hunn (Greencore plc and WG member): “The need for food safety and hygiene training guidance applicable particularly to multicultural workforces was identified by the Chilled Food Association as important for maintaining exemplary standards of hygiene in assuring the safety of chilled foods. This Guidance aims to assist companies in meeting their legal obligations and complements the hygiene standards and food safety assurance measures already set out in CFA’s ‘Best Practice Guidelines for the Production of Chilled Foods.” (4th edition published by The Stationery Office in 2006).
Mrs Pat Foreman (CEO, Food Northwest): “We are pleased to support this guidance which, whilst being focused on the chilled food sector’s requirements, is also generally applicable to other food manufacturing operations since it reviews the specific food safety and hygiene issues associated with operating with a multicultural manufacturing workforce.”
Sue Patterson (MD, Industrious): “With all the jargon in the food industry understanding language capabilities is extremely important especially with regards to food safety and hygiene. Last year Industrious developed an online English test contextualised to the food industry. During the last 12 months over 70% of our candidates have achieved the equivalent of ESOL level 3 giving a good base level to build on and ensure food safety and hygiene. Working on this project has given us the opportunity to share that knowledge and best practice and hopefully drive up standards.”
Simon Woods (G’s Marketing and WG member): "G’s Marketing was extremely pleased to be involved in this project because it addressed one of our key business objectives which is the delivery of safe quality food to our customers. The cultural diversity within our business is increasing which results in more complex training requirements and this guide provides valuable practical advice backed-up by examples and best practice from the food industry. The guide also makes good business sense because it will help us to ensure that all our staff fully understand and are competent in all aspects of food safety."
The Guidance is also timely in the light of a recent FSA announcement to hold a series of one-day training courses called ‘Working effectively with diverse communities’ for local authority food law enforcement officers.
20 May 2008
