What is safer food better business (UK): Should you use it?

This article has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email.

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Who can benefit from SFBB?

I get asked a lot whether SFBB packs are the right food safety management system solution and the answer is, it depends. SFBB packs are a very easy way for most catering businesses to comply. That includes most cafes, takeaways, restaurants and similar businesses. It contains all of the standard practices that are found in every kitchen such as cooking, chilling etc but it doesn't go into detail on complex processes like cooking sous vide fo example. So for businesses with more complex food processes like fine dining restaurants or manufacturing businesses, it might not be detailed enough and you are probably better employing a food safety consultant to write a bespoke food safety management system.

Also small businesses like village halls or home bakers might not require every section of the SFBB pack, but can still reap benefits from its extensive knowledge advice in parts. Ultimately, SFBB packs are created with the needs of small catering businesses in mind, proving that regardless of the size or style of the enterprise, safety in food handling is paramount for both catering businesses and retail businesses.

The food industry is obligated by law to have a documented food safety management system that identifies hazards and establishes controls. SFBB rises to meet this legal obligation for most, offering a well-structured pack that ensures businesses are not only compliant but also proficient in documenting their food safety controls. By meticulously recording food safety practices, food businesses can demonstrate due diligence and avoid the pitfalls of legal violations.

In the eyes of an Environmental Health Officer, a completed SFBB pack is evidence of a business’s commitment to food safety. It can lead to smoother inspections and potentially fewer visits, as it provides clear evidence of a business’s proactive approach to managing food safety risks.

How SFBB improves food safety management

SFBB aims to strengthen food safety management by targeting the four critical aspects of food handling, often referred to collectively as the 4 Cs:

1️⃣ Cooking

2️⃣ Cleaning

3️⃣ Chilling

4️⃣ Cross-contamination

By providing clear guidelines on these areas, SFBB helps you reduce the risk of food borne illnesses, ensuring businesses serve food that is safe and of high quality.

The system is comprehensive, encompassing not only the immediate steps of food preparation but also the overarching elements of management. It aids in training staff on proper food safety practices and sets up systems for record-keeping, supplier management, and incident response. For example, the cross-contamination section offers guidance on preventing bacterial transfer through separate storage and utensils for raw and cooked foods.

The chilling and cooking sections of SFBB outline guidelines for temperature control, storage durations, recommended cooking temperatures, and the use of food thermometers. These ensure that foods are stored and prepared at safe temperatures, greatly minimising the risk of food borne pathogens when cooking food.

Such structured guidance is important in maintaining a vigilant and knowledgeable food safety team, ready to serve food that not only tastes good but also keeps customers safe.

Improving your food hygiene rating with SFBB

Embracing SFBB can significantly influence your food hygiene rating, a score that communicates to customers about the quality and safety of the food you serve. A high rating is a signal to customers and inspectors that your business prioritises food safety. Implementing SFBB correctly can lead to better compliance during inspections and, consequently, an enhanced rating.

Without SFBB, businesses run the risk of:

❗ falling short on safety measures

❗ legal violations

❗ food borne illnesses

❗ a tarnished reputation

By demonstrating how food is safely made, stored, and handled, including through well-maintained cleaning practices, SFBB builds a fortress of trust around your business. It’s a testament to the care you put into every meal and every customer experience.

SFBB can protect and even elevate a business’s reputation by showcasing its adherence to high food safety standards. This not only boosts customer loyalty but also sets a business apart from competitors who may not prioritise food safety as effectively. In the competitive food industry, a stellar food hygiene rating can be the difference between a flourishing business and one that struggles to retain customers.

Accessing the SFBB Pack

Accessing the business pack, also known as the SFBB pack, is easy and cost-effective. It’s available for free download from the government website, enabling every business, regardless of size or resources, to implement its guidelines. The better business pack can be customised to cater to various types of businesses, including:

✅ caterers

✅ retailers

✅ food manufacturers

✅ food processors

✅ food transporters

This allows for a personalised approach to food safety management.

Once in hand, the SFBB pack becomes an easy guide for managing the many facets of food safety, from daily operations to compliance with regulations. And with SFBB packs designed for specific cuisines and business models, you can ensure that your food safety management system aligns perfectly with your business’s unique needs and challenges.

Implementing SFBB in your business

Businesses can use the SFBB pack to create their own tailored food safety management system by following the detailed guidelines and Safe Method sheets provided. Here’s how to get started:

✅ Download the SFBB Pack: Access the SFBB pack from the government website. Choose the version that best fits your business type, whether you are a caterer, retailer, or food manufacturer.

✅ Customize the Pack: Review the Safe Method sheets and adapt them to your specific processes. This might include modifying guidelines for cooking, cleaning, chilling, and preventing cross-contamination to suit your kitchen setup and menu.

✅ Train Your Staff: Use the contents SFBB pack to train your staff on the essential food safety practices. Ensure everyone understands the importance of adhering to these guidelines and how to implement them in their daily tasks.

✅ Set Up Record-Keeping Systems: Establish systems for documenting your food safety practices. This includes temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and records of any incidents or corrective actions taken.

✅ Regular Reviews and Updates: Regularly review and update your food safety management system to ensure it remains effective and compliant with any new regulations or changes in your business operations.

Once your food safety management system is in place, you can use digital solutions like the Pilla app to carry out and monitor your food safety practices every day. Pilla offers the following features:

✅ Digital Checklists: Create and manage daily checklists for all food safety tasks, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

✅ Automated Reminders: Set up automated reminders for critical tasks like temperature checks, cleaning schedules, and equipment maintenance.

✅ Record Keeping: Maintain digital records of all food safety activities, making it easy to demonstrate due diligence during inspections.

✅ Staff Training and Certification: Provide ongoing training and certification for your staff, ensuring they stay up-to-date with the latest food safety standards.

By integrating SFBB with digital tools like Pilla, businesses can streamline their food safety management, ensuring consistent compliance and enhancing overall food safety. This combination allows for a proactive approach to managing food safety, ultimately protecting both customers and the business’s reputation.