Avoid a product recall and put safety top of your agenda

The recent E.coli outbreaks in France and Germany have put food safety back in the headlines. This makes Food Manufacture's Product Recall 2011 conference even more apt.

The one-day event, at the National Motorcycle Museum on November 23, will explore ways of producing food without jeopardising safety and legality.

Organised in partnership with the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST), Product Recall 2011 will examine how financial constraints are likely to impact on regulation. It will look at the potential for using a system of 'earned autonomy' where the focus of attention is reduced on manufacturers that can demonstrate a record of good food hygiene management.

Chaired by IFST past president and food industry consultant Richard Ratcliffe, it will examine the role of third-party audits in any such system of earned autonomy, and address public concerns about 'light touch' regulation. It will report on the progress of EU legislation on statutory inspections of primary meat operations, and the drive for a more risk-based approach.

A keynote address will be given by FSA director of operations Andrew Rhodes, outlining the changing regulatory landscape.

Dr Carol Wallace, principal lecturer in food safety management at the University of Central Lancashire and an expert in hazard analysis critical control points, will advise on preparing for a 'best-practice' third-party audit, while Andy Cuerel, a senior consultant with the College Hill Consultancy, will describe how best to manage a crisis should a major product recall occur.

Richard Matthews, a partner with legal firm Eversheds will talk through recent examples of product recalls that have been handled well and those that haven't. Delegates can discuss individual concerns with experts, while a panel session will put the experts under the spotlight.

The afternoon session, will examine the 'human dimension' and workplace food safety/hygiene cultures; allergen controls and thresholds; and early warning systems, looking at traceability systems and the use of social media to identify potential issues before firms and regulators are aware they exist.

To find out more about Product Recall 2011 or book a place, call Rachael Cannon on 01293 610433, or email: Rachael.Cannon@wrbm.com