Safe to Trade is in the Spotlight this Week at the CIEH Food Safety Conference on 9th and 10th July
Safe to Trade, the consumer standard dedicated to making the world a safer place to eat, has been announced as a key sponsor of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Food Safety Conference, taking place on 9th and 10th July. The online event will bring together industry leaders and professionals to explore pressing issues in food safety and environmental health.
In addition to its sponsorship, Safe to Trade will be represented by Michael Jackson, a member of its Independent Governance Board. With a background as the former Deputy Director of Regulatory Compliance at the Food Standards Agency, Michael brings deep expertise in shaping and modernising food safety controls.
He will be speaking at the event on 10 July from 12:05 to 12:30, presenting a talk titled ‘Governing Assurance Programmes for the UK Hospitality and Catering Sector’. In this session, he will explore the essential role that governance plays in ensuring the credibility, transparency and impact of voluntary third-party assurance schemes. As food safety remains a high priority for both regulators and consumers, his talk will highlight how well-governed assurance programmes, such as Safe to Trade, can provide meaningful support to the sector.
This year’s conference agenda is packed with timely and relevant topics shaping the future of food safety and environmental health. From exploring the horizon of food safety to reviewing case studies and regulatory developments, the sessions will provide vital insights into both persistent and emerging challenges within the industry.
Aligned with the latest food safety regulations and incorporating best practices, Safe to Trade enhances consumer confidence by addressing the growing demand for up-to-date food safety and hygiene information – particularly as consumers report feeling significantly more assured when food hygiene inspections are less than a year old*. Safe to Trade supports the existing Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, but with several key differences; it requires businesses to be checked annually across all areas of food safety and hygiene, including front-of-house cleanliness, allergen management, and food labelling – addressing key areas of consumer concern.
Safe to Trade was developed in collaboration with independent industry experts and regulators, with audits being conducted by highly trained, competent, and impartial Environmental Health Practitioners from Shield Safety, a certification body for Safe to Trade.
In anticipation of the event, Michael Jackson, Member of the Safe to Trade Independent Governance Board, said: “I’m looking forward to joining this year’s CIEH Food Safety Conference, which brings together a diverse community of professionals committed to raising standards across the sector. As a key sponsor, Safe to Trade is proud to support this important platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. It’s a vital opportunity to explore emerging challenges, share practical insights, and help shape a safer, more resilient food system for the future.”
*Flanagan, M.A. and Soon-Sinclair, J.M. (2024) Consumers’ perceptions of regulatory food hygiene inspections of restaurants and takeaways, British Food Journal.
