An online database of food safety consultants has been launched to help firms manage food safety, hygiene and quality risks throughout the food chain.
The network has been set up by the Food Safety Consortium (FSC), part of The National Britannia Group. Participating consultants are vetted and guaranteed to have a minimum of 10-15 years' experience and expertise in up to 21 specialist areas, ranging from ambient to high-care foods. All are trained to levels that exceed the British Retail Consortium standard and will offer auditing, consultancy, product innovation support, trouble-shooting and certified training globally.
The FSC will manage and administer each consultant's booking, handling travel arrangements and appropriate insurance on their behalf.
Don Meredith, md of the FSC, said: "There has been a lot of decentralisation within the food industry and a consequent reduction of in-house food safety expertise. As a result, there is a growing demand for trusted external professionals."
He added: "It is often difficult for technical managers in food manufacturing and processing to find suitable consultants with guaranteed experience to deliver the specialist auditing and other support they need, cost effectively, in different parts of the world.
"Our aim is to have at least 10 consultants available under each of the 21 specialisms."
For details, visit http://www.thefsc.co.uk