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HACCP plans and Food Safety Management documentation and policies - let us write yours!
Struggling to write your HACCP plan or unsure where to begin? Creating a comprehensive HACCP plan can be challenging, especially for businesses without a dedicated food safety team or when internal staff lack the knowledge and or skills to develop the required documentation.
Bespoke HACCP Plans for Food Businesses
For operators of food businesses, establishing a robust plan grounded in the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is not just best practice—it's a legal obligation. Since 2006, UK legislation has mandated the implementation of a HACCP system to protect food from various safety hazards, including microbial, chemical, physical, and allergenic contamination.
A well-structured HACCP plan should encompass a thorough analysis of potential hazards associated with your food products, detailing when and where these hazards may arise. Additionally, it must outline the specific control measures you will implement to mitigate these risks effectively.
At Kitchen Tonic, we have extensive experience in developing bespoke HACCP plans tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Our portfolio includes a diverse array of food establishments, such as Japanese sushi and sashimi restaurants, Italian dining venues, department store eateries, traditional patisserie cafés, dark and ghost kitchens, burger restaurants, as well as Asian and Middle Eastern culinary businesses.
Partner with us to ensure that your food safety practices not only meet legal requirements but also promote the highest standards of quality and safety in your operation.
Our food safety team is a powerhouse of expertise, featuring a seasoned Food Safety Consultant and an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) from a London local authority. Collectively, they bring over 25 years of extensive experience in the food industry, excelling in areas such as the development of HACCP plans, improving businesses Food Hygiene Ratings and the delivery of comprehensive Food Hygiene and HACCP training courses.
Our leading Food Safety Consultant's journey began in the NHS, where they honed their skills in public health. They then advanced to Ecolab, working as a field operator responsible for conducting food safety audits worldwide. This global perspective has enriched their knowledge, enabling them to establish a food safety consultancy dedicated to enhancing food hygiene practices.
Our EHO has worked for several London councils and currently works for a London Local Authority as the lead person for conducting Approved Premises approvals. They also carry out regular inspections of food businesses, including catering establishments, food manufacturers, wholesalers, and food markets, to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and issues Food Hygiene Ratings accordingly.
Together, our team combines practical experience with in-depth regulatory knowledge, ensuring that your food business not only meets compliance standards but also adheres to best practices in food safety. With our tailored approach, we are committed to equipping you with the tools and insights necessary for sustained excellence in food safety management.
Case Study 1: Enhancing Food Safety Standards in a Sushi and Sashimi Restaurant
In 2023, we partnered with a sushi and sashimi restaurant and takeaway in London to develop a bespoke HACCP plan after they faced a voluntary closure notice from the local council. This notice caused an immediate stop to all food food production and sales, including through third-party delivery platforms, and resulted in a Food Hygiene Rating of 0.
The closure was due to a lack of documented evidence demonstrating the identification of hazards and controls specific to the preparation and sale of sushi and sashimi rice. The council also cited issues such as poor personal hygiene practices, inadequate cleaning standards, insufficient maintenance, lack of training, and problems with stock control and labelling. Although the restaurant had been using the Safer Food Better Business (SFBB) system, it was not effectively implemented and did not meet the specific requirements for sushi and sashimi production.
In response, Kitchen Tonic acted swiftly to support the restaurant. We created a tailored HACCP plan, SOPs and Food Safety Management System that addressed their unique needs. Our team conducted thorough food safety audits to pinpoint areas for improvement, and we provided essential training for staff. Additionally, we oversaw a deep clean of the kitchen and implemented dedicated storage solutions for ingredients and chemicals.
Once these measures were in place, the restaurant applied for a reinspection. Within just four months, they successfully achieved a Food Hygiene Rating of 5.
This case study underscores our expertise in food safety management and highlights the commitment of the restaurant's team to elevate their food hygiene standards in a short period.
Case Study 2: Comprehensive Food Hygiene Improvement at a Middle Eastern Restaurant
In 2023, a Middle Eastern restaurant located in Ealing, London, sought our expertise after receiving a Food Hygiene Rating of 1. The restaurant was cited for several serious issues, including unhygienic premises, lack of allergen information, insufficient staff training, inadequate stock control and labelling, poor maintenance, and ineffective monitoring procedures.
In response to this urgent situation, our team implemented a strategic intervention plan designed to address each area of concern comprehensively. We began by introducing an updated Safer Food Better Business (SFBB) pack, specifically tailored to the restaurant’s operations, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. We also developed detailed monitoring forms to facilitate consistent oversight of food safety practices.
To enhance staff competency, we conducted in-depth training sessions focusing on food hygiene principles and allergen management. This training equipped the team with the knowledge necessary to uphold high standards in their daily operations. Simultaneously, we oversaw a thorough deep cleaning of the kitchen and dining areas, ensuring that all surfaces met hygiene standards.
Recognising the importance of effective inventory management, we established a robust stock control and labelling system. This included streamlining the range of cleaning chemicals used, which not only improved safety but also enhanced operational efficiency.
After these significant improvements were implemented, the restaurant applied for a reinspection. The same Environmental Health Officer (EHO) subsequently awarded them a Food Hygiene Rating of 5, a testament to the successful enhancements made within just five months.
In addition to this achievement, the restaurant was honoured with a food hygiene trophy by Ealing Council, recognising it as the most improved business within the borough. This case study underscores our commitment to excellence in food safety and illustrates the remarkable dedication of the restaurant's management to elevating their hygiene standards in a competitive industry.
Case Study 3: Strategic Food Safety Management for a Patisserie Atelier
In February 2016, we partnered with a distinguished patisserie atelier to develop their HACCP and Food Safety Management documentation. Our collaboration was aimed at enabling the atelier to introduce its premium products into a prestigious department store in central London, a milestone successfully achieved by Spring 2016.
Our approach involved a comprehensive analysis of the atelier’s operations, allowing us to tailor the HACCP plan to their specific needs. We provided detailed food safety management records and ensured that all protocols were aligned with industry standards and regulatory requirements. This meticulous preparation not only facilitated their entry into the department store but also positioned them for future growth.
Since this pivotal achievement, the patisserie atelier has expanded its footprint significantly, launching several additional locations throughout central London. This case study underscores the importance of robust food safety practices as a foundation for business success, demonstrating how strategic planning and execution can drive expansion in a competitive market. Our partnership with the atelier exemplifies our commitment to fostering excellence in food safety and supporting our clients’ growth ambitions.
In addition to writing HACCP and supporting food safety documentation, we also assist businesses in the application of Approved Food Premises.
Approved Food Premises Services
If you're looking to obtain Approved Premises status, our experienced food safety consultants are here to guide you through the entire process. From helping you navigate the application requirements to developing tailored HACCP plans and comprehensive food safety documentation, we offer expert support every step of the way.
Our consultant, an experienced Environmental Health Officer (EHO), is directly involved in the day-to-day management of Approved Premises applications at the local authority they work for. With a wealth of expertise and in-depth knowledge of the regulatory requirements, our consultant is well-equipped to support you throughout the Approved Food Premises application process.
Approved Food Premises Services
If you're seeking to obtain Approved Premises status, our experienced food safety consultants are here to guide you through the entire process. From navigating the application requirements to developing tailored HACCP plans and comprehensive food safety documentation, we provide expert support at every stage.
Our consultant, an experienced Environmental Health Officer (EHO), is actively involved in the day-to-day management of Approved Premises applications at their current local authority. With extensive expertise and a deep understanding of regulatory requirements, our consultant is uniquely positioned to assist you in securing Approved Food Premises status.
Contact us
Our expert team is dedicated to crafting bespoke HACCP plans tailored to the unique needs of diverse food businesses, including caterers and micro-manufacturers. By partnering with us, you can ensure not only compliance with industry regulations but also the highest standards of food safety. We look forward to collaborating with you to enhance your operations.
Tel: 07837655954
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