Minutes of HACCP Steering Committee Meeting February 2005
DATE: 24th February, 2005
TIME: 11.00am
LOCATION: FSAI Boardroom
ATTENDEES:
Lisa O'Connor (LOC) [CHAIR]
Wayne Anderson, FSAI (WA)
Sharon Williams, FSAI (SW)
Annabel Finnegan, FSAI (AF)
Dorothy Guina-Dornan, FSAI (DGD)
John Moynihan, SHB (JMn)
Pat Garvey, NEHB (PG)
Ray Parle, SEHB (RP)
Damien Woods, WHB (DW)
Martin O'Rourke, ECAHB (MOR)
Noel Donnelly, NAHB (ND)
Edel Mahon, NWHB (EM)
Anne-Marie Part, SWAHB (A-MP)
Mari Greene, MHB (MG)
Richard Fitzgerald, MWHB, (RF)
SECRETARY:
Bernadette Colley (BC)
ABSENTEES:
Siobhan McEvoy, DoHC (SMcE)
Jeff Moon, FSAI, (JM)
APOLOGIES:
Gwen Neary, ECAHB (GN)
Rita O'Grady, NWHB (ROG)
Al Donnelly, NEHB (AD)
1. Minutes & Matters Arising
The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.
2. Butchers - Advertising Campaign
An ad campaign proposal document was circulated and there followed some discussion on the issue. There was a strong feeling that a direct mailing would be just another letter in the post and a waste of money. MG suggested that a radio campaign would heighten public awareness as well as inform butchers of their requirements. All agreed however, that the likely cost of such a campaign would warrant a larger audience than butchers. It was proposed that the campaign could be designed for a more general audience but with a focus on cross contamination between raw meat and ready-to-eat food. LOC noted that she would have to check if the budget allowed for this more expensive form of advertising.
Action: It was agreed that LOC would explore the possibility of a radio campaign directed at a broader group and not aimed solely at butchers.
It was noted that for various reasons some areas had not completed the distribution of the butchers booklet and HACCP information pack.
Action: All areas to complete distribution as soon as possible.
3. Hospitals & Nursing Homes - Final Assessment
LOC tabled the draft results and noted that the increase in the levels of HACCP compliance was even greater than for the hotel target group. WA commended the increases and in particular the efforts of the EHOs which led to this increase.
4. Adaptation of Northern Ireland Guide on HACCP for Caterers
LOC explained that FSA, NI are planning to review this guide and would welcome the participation of representatives from the Republic of Ireland (RoI) however, it appears that this review may not happen for some time.
Agreed: It was agreed not to wait for the NI review but to convene the working group to adapt the current version of the guide for the RoI as soon as possible.
LOC circulated a document proposing two options for the method of delivery of the adapted guide:
• Food business teaches itself (using self-help material). Initial introduction to the guide via local one-day seminars, co-hosted by EHOs and FSAI, with some follow up support from local EHO and a dedicated FSAI helpline.
• Train the trainer approach available to EHOs, food businesses and training bodies/consultants.
Overall there was more support for the first option as providing better coverage and more consistent delivery.
Action: Electronic version of the proposals for method of delivery to be circulated with feedback from members expected within 3 weeks of circulation
5. Draft Commission guide and Proposed Regulation on HACCP
LOC noted that the Commission has decided to produce a specific Regulation on HACCP elaborating on the HACCP requirement already in Regulation No 852/2004. LOC thanked members for their comments on the draft guide and noted that the committee will be consulted during the development of the proposed Regulation on HACCP.
For information LOC circulated the position document sent to the Department of Health and Children on the draft Commission guide: 'FSAI position on HACCP Facilitation in small food businesses (SANCO/3069/2004) 02/02/05'. This document formed the basis of the Irish position submitted to the Commission.
6. Multiples' centrally located HACCP plan
LOC noted that with the introduction of a legal requirement for documentation from January 2006 it was important to address the issue of centrally located HACCP plans.
Action: LOC is to circulate a brief outline of the issues to facilitate local consultation.
Action: The text from Regulation No 852/2004 dealing with HACCP is to be circulated to members in advance of the next meeting
It was noted that a review of Guidance Note 11 will be necessary in the light of Directive 93/43/EEC being replaced by Regulation No 852/2004
Agreed: It was agreed that the review should not take place until the proposed HACCP Regulation was published.
7. Review HACCP Strategy
LOC enquired if members would prefer to consult locally and return comments.
Agreed: It was agreed that there would be no review of strategy until the proposed HACCP Regulation was published.
8. 2005 Work Plan
Butchers
Agreed: It was agreed that August being the end of the 12-month target period for butchers, that the 3 months audit-based final assessment would take place from September to November.
Ad Campaign
Agreed: It was also agreed, depending on discussions with FSAI's Communications Section, that May would be the start of the ad campaign.
Restaurants with greater than 50 seats
Agreed: It was clarified that the next target group would be registerable restaurants with greater than 50 seats (i.e. excluding restaurants like canteens in private businesses which do not need to be registered). It was agreed that LOC would prepare a baseline assessment form in March to precede the 3-month desktop-based baseline assessment from April to June, culminating in the start of the 12-month target period in July.
HACCP for Caterers
Agreed: It was agreed that the modification of HACCP for Caterers booklet would take place from March through May, when the final document will go to press.
Adaptation of NI Guide
Agreed: It was agreed that the Working Group will convene sometime within the next few months to adapt the NI guide for the Republic.
Preparation of Training Material for adapted NI Guide
Agreed: It was agreed that the development of training material will depend on the progress of the guide.
Agreed: It was agreed that the review of HACCP strategy and the update of Guidance Note 11 will all be deferred until the publication of the proposed HACCP Regulation.
Action: LOC to circulate an electronic version of the 2005 Work Plan to all members.
9. FSAI Update
None.
10. Health Board Update
DW reminded the group of the name change from Health Boards to Health Service Executive Areas. This latter is now the new collective term for the Health Boards as of 1 st January, 2005 .
11. AOB
LOC circulated copies of a letter from Art McGann of TradeWins regarding electronic storage of HACCP records.
Agreed: It was agreed that as long as records are kept and are available, the actual method of storage is up to the business.
Action: LOC to respond accordingly.
LOC also circulated a copy of an email from an EHO, Maeve Costello with comments and queries on Guidance Notes 11 & 15. There followed some discussion among the group.
Agreed: It was agreed that (i) the stage of compliance should not be expanded beyond 3 categories as the purpose of these categories was to give a crude indication of progress and not to be an exact measurement and; (ii) verification would not be changed to review as come January 2006 verification will be a legal requirement.
Action: LOC to respond accordingly.
It was noted that Guidance Note 15 is not likely to be reviewed for some time but that the comments would be considered in the equivalent guidance note being developed for manufacturers.
Action: WA and Karl McDonald to respond to queries on Guidance Note 15.
12. Date of next meeting
Thursday 21 st April 2005
Last reviewed: 16/4/2009