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Steve Hayes
Member - 5 posts
My question is regarding the legal requirements of catering staff wearing suitable hairnets or hats when preparing and handling food.
Part of my risk assessment for these areas called this into question.
Regards
Steve
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Robert Croft - FDS Associates Limited
Online advisor - 2 posts
Dear Steve
It is a legal requirement that all catering staff wear correct protective working clothes to prevent risk of cross contamination in Foodservice operations.
Hair is a foreign body, categorised as Physical Contamination, that can be found in food by staff who are not wearing the correct protective clothing. This risk is something that can be controlled by wearing suitable head cover such as a hairnet and/or a hat. So long as the head is covered to avoid the possibility of hair falling out onto either work surfaces or into food, the employee is working legally.
Without such head cover, then it may be assumed that the person involved is working without due diligence!
They and the Catering business may be liable if hair is found in food they have prepared. However, it may be difficult to prove whose hair has been found!
Ensure everyone understands the meaning of due diligence and also the consequences of not wearing the correct protective clothing.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes and have a healthy Christmas!
Robert Croft
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Daryl Whitby
Member - 2 posts
Steve,
You do not indicate at which stage your risk assessment brings in to question hats and hairnets, or for what purpose. All I can say is that in the terms of "best practice" all hair, where there is a risk of food contamination, should be covered including beards and moustaches.
We supply many of the multiples with products on a daily basis and to gain accreditation to this standard hair covering must be compulsory. There are many varied forms on the market and purchasing in bulk can have its own rewards.
After working in the food industry for the past 18 years I still will not purchase from companies who openly put the public at risk from their own bad practices.
If I can be of further assistance please give me a ring or e-mail me, you never know if you can spare the time perhaps a visit could help.
kind regards, and all the best for Christmas and the new year
Daryl.
Daryl Whitby.
Health, Safety and Energy Manager
Peter Hunt Bakery Foods Ltd.,
14 Lyon Road,
Kearsley,
Bolton.
BL4 8NB
Tel: 01204-793446
Mob: 0771-835-1366
E-mail: daryl.whitby@Lyndale.co.uk
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