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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Food Hygiene

1. Purpose and Commitment

The purpose of this policy is to outline how {{org_field_name}} ensures the highest standards of food hygiene when preparing, handling, storing, and serving food to service users. We are committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of service users by preventing foodborne illnesses and promoting safe food practices. This policy aligns with the Food Safety Act 1990, the Food Hygiene Regulations 2006, and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards.

We recognise the importance of providing nutritious, safe, and enjoyable meals tailored to individual dietary needs and preferences. Our approach includes staff training, robust food safety procedures, and continuous monitoring to maintain compliance with food hygiene standards. Additionally, we emphasise promoting awareness among staff and service users about the importance of food safety practices both within the care environment and at home.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, including care staff, administrative staff, volunteers, contractors, and other stakeholders involved in food preparation, handling, and distribution. It covers:

• Safe handling, preparation, and storage of food.
• Staff training and competency.
• Monitoring and continuous improvement.
• Individualised care for service users with dietary needs.

The policy applies to food prepared in service users’ homes, staff kitchens, and any other location where our company provides services. It also extends to the procurement of food items, ensuring that suppliers meet established food safety standards and that only reputable vendors are used.

3. Policy Statement

We are committed to maintaining high standards of food hygiene through clear procedures, staff training, and continuous monitoring. Our goal is to protect service users from foodborne illnesses while promoting nutritious, safe, and culturally appropriate meals. This includes:

• Ensuring staff adhere to food hygiene protocols.
• Regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
• Effective communication with service users and families about dietary needs, preferences, and restrictions.
• Encouraging service users to participate in meal planning where possible, promoting autonomy and person-centred care.

4. Food Hygiene Standards and Regulations

4.1 Legal Framework This policy adheres to the following legislation and guidelines:

• Food Safety Act 1990: Ensuring that food provided is safe to eat, meets quality standards, and is labelled correctly.
• Food Hygiene Regulations 2006: Implementing hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) to identify and control potential hazards throughout the food preparation process.
• CQC Fundamental Standards: Promoting safe, person-centred care by ensuring that food hygiene practices are embedded in care delivery.
• Environmental Health Standards: Working in alignment with local authority environmental health guidelines to ensure premises and practices meet health and safety requirements.

4.2 Staff Responsibilities All staff involved in food handling must:

• Follow food hygiene training guidelines to ensure safe food preparation and service.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and aprons, when handling food.
• Maintain cleanliness in food preparation areas by adhering to cleaning schedules and promptly addressing spills or contamination.
• Ensure that food hygiene practices extend to meal delivery, ensuring that food reaches service users at safe temperatures.

5. Safe Food Handling Practices

5.1 Personal Hygiene Staff must maintain high standards of personal hygiene, including:

• Regular handwashing with soap and water, especially before food preparation, after handling raw foods, and after using the restroom.
• Wearing clean uniforms and PPE while preparing and serving food.
• Reporting any illness that may affect food safety, such as gastrointestinal infections, to their line manager immediately.
• Keeping hair tied back and avoiding jewellery that could contaminate food.

5.2 Food Preparation During food preparation, staff must:

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before consumption or cooking.
• Use separate chopping boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination.
• Cook food to the correct internal temperature, verified using a food thermometer.
• Ensure that ready-to-eat foods are not prepared near raw foods to avoid contamination.

5.3 Food Storage To prevent contamination and spoilage, staff must:

• Store perishable foods at 5°C or below in refrigerators and freezers at -18°C or below.
• Label and date all stored foods to ensure proper stock rotation using the “first in, first out” (FIFO) method.
• Store dry goods in sealed containers in cool, dry areas, away from direct sunlight and pests.
• Dispose of expired items promptly and maintain a log of discarded products.

6. Nutritional Needs and Dietary Requirements

6.1 Individualised Care We provide tailored meal plans based on individual needs, preferences, and medical conditions, including:

• Diabetic-Friendly Meals: Balanced meals with controlled carbohydrate content to manage blood sugar levels.
• Low-Sodium and Heart-Healthy Options: Meals prepared with minimal salt to promote cardiovascular health.
• Texture-Modified Diets for Dysphagia: Pureed, minced, or soft foods for individuals with swallowing difficulties.
• Culturally Appropriate Meals: Ensuring that religious, cultural, and personal preferences are respected.

6.2 Allergies and Intolerances Staff must:

• Identify service users’ allergies during initial care assessments and update care plans as needed.
• Avoid cross-contamination during food preparation by using separate utensils and surfaces for allergen-free foods.
• Keep emergency medications, such as epinephrine auto-injectors, accessible in case of an allergic reaction.
• Ensure clear labelling of all food items to identify potential allergens.

7. Cleaning and Sanitising Procedures

7.1 Kitchen Hygiene Staff must ensure that food preparation areas are clean and sanitised by:

• Using appropriate cleaning products and disinfectants for kitchen surfaces and equipment.
• Disinfecting surfaces before and after food preparation.
• Regularly cleaning kitchen appliances, including refrigerators, microwaves, and stoves.
• Conducting daily checks to ensure that cleaning schedules are followed and documented.

7.2 Waste Management To maintain hygiene and prevent pest infestations, staff must:

• Use designated waste bins for food disposal, ensuring lids remain closed.
• Empty bins regularly and sanitise them to prevent odours and bacterial growth.
• Follow local waste disposal regulations, including recycling practices where applicable.
• Monitor and report any pest activity immediately to ensure prompt intervention.

8. Training and Competency

8.1 Staff Training All staff involved in food handling must complete:

• Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Training: Covering safe food handling practices, temperature control, and hygiene standards.
• Annual Refresher Courses: Ensuring knowledge remains current and aligned with best practices.
• Specific Training: Focused on texture-modified diets, allergen management, and cultural considerations.

8.2 Competency Assessments Managers conduct regular assessments to ensure staff adhere to food hygiene practices, including:

• Observing food preparation and storage practices.
• Reviewing cleaning records and temperature logs.
• Providing feedback and corrective action if necessary.
• Encouraging continuous professional development to improve food safety practices.

9. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

9.1 Audits and Inspections Regular internal audits ensure adherence to food hygiene standards. These include:

• Checking food storage temperatures daily and recording findings.
• Reviewing cleaning schedules and documentation to ensure compliance.
• Inspecting kitchen facilities in service users’ homes to identify potential risks.
• Conducting spot checks to verify adherence to food safety protocols.

9.2 Incident Reporting Any food hygiene-related incidents must be reported immediately, documented, and investigated. Corrective actions are implemented promptly, and findings are shared with relevant staff to prevent recurrence.

10. Communication and Collaboration

We work closely with service users, families, and healthcare providers to ensure that dietary needs are met safely. This includes:

• Discussing meal preferences during care planning and updating care plans as preferences change.
• Sharing information about allergens, special diets, and food safety practices.
• Providing educational materials and workshops on food safety for service users and families.
• Encouraging open communication to address concerns or suggestions regarding meal provision.

11. Record-Keeping and Documentation

Accurate records are maintained for:

• Food storage temperatures, including refrigeration and freezing logs.
• Cleaning schedules and checklists to demonstrate adherence to hygiene standards.
• Training completion and competency assessments for all staff.
• Incident reports, investigations, and corrective actions taken.

12. Compliance and Review

This policy is reviewed annually or after any significant food safety incident. Compliance is monitored through:

• Regular audits conducted by the management team.
• Feedback from staff, service users, and families.
• Updated training based on best practices, emerging risks, and regulatory changes.

Collaboration with external agencies, including environmental health and CQC inspectors.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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