The European Safety Bureau launches Allergy Awareness Course

The course will take place at Premier Inn, London Kings Cross St Pancras on Wednesday 27 October from 2.00 – 5.30pm. It has been developed for "all-comers" in response to "an increased need by the public for advice and information" on the subject. The course, which will be conducted by one of the Bureau's "fully qualified and highly experienced" environmental health & safety practitioners, is aimed at catering managers, chefs, food handlers, food safety and health & safety managers offering in-depth information, practical solutions and advice. Places costs £55 per person but delegates who book before 30 September are offered the chance to register onto the course at the reduced rate of £50 each. Both prices include refreshments and study aids. Among the key course topics covered include: Key Allergen Controls; The Main Differences between Allergens and Intolerances; Key Documentation and Allergen Legislation. The European Safety Bureau says that allergens are now regarded as the fourth hazard alongside chemical, physical and microbiological hazards and should be considered as part of any HACCP (Hazard Analysis at Critical Control Points) documentation. Chief executive, Derek Gardner said: "It is vital for all catering businesses to arm themselves with the latest information on food allergens as any one of their customers could be affected. "This is particularly the case in our current 'compensation culture' when many businesses can feel very vulnerable in the face of increasing and costly civil litigation. "Whatever the catering operation - a school canteen, a hotel or a staff restaurant, for example – our comprehensive and practical course will raise awareness of food allergens, their causes, ways of reducing risk and satisfying customer needs." Course places are strictly limited and must be booked in advance. Visit www.esb.eu.com or call: 0116 235 4000.