FSAI to Host a Free 'Small Food Business Start-Up' Seminar
Wednesday, 11 December 2013
Despite the economic downturn, there has been a 5% increase in the number of food businesses established in Ireland over the last five years, currently standing at over 46,000. Queries to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s (FSAI) advice line service suggest a strong level of interest among people pursuing new food business ideas with 1,278 business start-up queries over the past 12 months – the majority of these coming from people wishing to start a food business from home.
To assist those working in small food businesses or those who are thinking of setting up a food business, the FSAI is holding a free ‘Small Food Business Start-Up Seminar’ with the aim of making it easier for new food businesses to get up and running and helping them to comply with all the relevant food safety requirements.
The seminar takes place from 8:00am to 12:30am on Wednesday 29th January 2014 at Chartered Accountants House, 47-49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2. Registration and further information is available here
The half-day seminar will bring together experts to explore everything from registering a new food business, food product development, food safety training requirements, setting up a food safety management system, labelling regulations, traceability, the food recall process, inspections and the information resources available from the FSAI. There will be a number of Q&A sessions throughout the morning and experts will be available after the event closes for further discussion.
Prof. Alan Reilly, Chief Executive, FSAI stated: “There is a definite appetite among people wishing to pursue new food business enterprises. We offer free information for people already established in a food business or for people seeking specific information on how to go about setting up a food business. Our Advice Line has dealt with 1,278 queries in the past twelve months specifically on business start-up, while over 15,700 unique visitors have accessed the business start-up information that is available on our website.”
“Our aim is to reduce the barriers faced by food businesses seeking to enter the arena and make it easier to comply with all the various requirements and food regulations. This seminar is one of a number of supports we provide food businesses on an ongoing basis, including a free Advice Line and a dedicated online resource to assist people thinking of setting up a new food outlet or business.”
Prof. Reilly noted that all food businesses, big or small, whether operating from a business premises, in the home or from a mobile unit or food stall, must be aware of the legislation regarding food hygiene and food safety. Ultimately, it is the legal responsibility of food businesses to ensure the food they produce and serve to customers is safe.