Free allergy training for Island businesses

Allergy food concept. Assorted of allergic products. Top view

The Isle of Wight Council is offering free on-line allergy awareness training for Island food businesses aimed at staff involved in the management, handling and preparation of food.

Food businesses registered with the council’s regulatory services can attend, with spaces, which must be booked in advance, limited to 30 places per webinar.

Strategic manager for regulatory and community safety services, Amanda Gregory, said: “Since ‘Natasha’s Law’ came into force last October, any business that produces pre-packed food for direct sale is required to label it with the name of the food and a full ingredients list, with allergenic ingredients emphasised within the list.

“I would urge Island food businesses to sign up for the free webinar training to make sure they understand their responsibilities in law and the life-saving information they must provide to the public.”

The sessions will cover allergies, coeliac disease and intolerances, understanding the 14 major allergens, allergens and the law including Natasha’s Law, and controls and contamination.

The webinars will take place between 9.30am to 11am and can be booked on-line: Wednesday April 6 – bit.ly/3L7g2mS, Wednesday, May 11 – bit.ly/3NdHvEY and Tuesday, May 24 – bit.ly/3JvOHtT.

If you are a food business operating on the Isle of Wight and are not registered with the IW Council’s regulatory services, you can find details at bit.ly/3D2TC3l.

If you are unable to attend these dates but want to know more, visit food.gov.uk/business-guidance/allergen-guidance-for-food-businesses.