Council offers series of successful Allergen Management seminars for local food businesses
7 February 2024
Derry City and Strabane District Council hosted a number of successful Allergen Management Seminars over recent weeks in a bid to help upskill eating establishments across the city and district.
The seminars took place both in Derry and Strabane and offered knowledge and advice on requirements of The Food Information Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014. The series of seminars were offered to local food businesses to ensure they have the most up to date information when it comes to preparing and serving food to those who may have specific allergies.
The events took place in Council offices in Strabane and the Foyle Arena in Derry over three days in January and February.
Marissa McCormick, Principal Environmental Health Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council, said it was great to be offering the workshops and was delighted to see so many local establishments sign up.
“We were delighted to have the opportunity to offer this new series of allergen management seminars to the food businesses here within our council area. The seminars were packed with really useful information for food businesses on how to manage food and beverages when it comes to serving customers who may suffer from allergies. We were delighted to see so many local businesses get involved.
“Allergies can be incredibly serious and it is important that all food establishments within the council area are providing the correct information to their staff and the public when it comes to the ingredients they are using in their food offerings. It was great to see so many attend and we look forward to seeing these practical skills being adopted across our council district.”
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Patricia Logue, attended the final of the three seminars in Foyle Arena this week, and said she was delighted to see so many local businesses attend and learn from Council’s Environmental Health team.
“Allergies continue to be a serious concern for food businesses across the country, and it’s great to see our Council taking a proactive approach in a bid to upskill our local businesses to ensure they have the most up-to-date information when it comes to allergen management. It was great to attend the seminar for myself and see so many local businesses get involved and want to learn more.”
A recording of the seminar will be available following the event for those unsuccessful in gaining a place.