Role of the Society of Food Hygiene and Technology

The role of the Society of Food Hygiene and Technology (SOFHT)

In the fast-paced world of food production and service, maintaining impeccable hygiene and safety standards is crucial. The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology (SOFHT) plays a pivotal role in supporting businesses to achieve these high standards. In this blog, Dr Richard Dune explores the significance of SOFHT, key statistics and facts, essential definitions, and best practices for implementing relevant legislation and regulations. For organisations striving to maintain compliance and excellence in food hygiene, understanding the role of SOFHT is indispensable.

Key facts and statistics

According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), foodborne illnesses affect approximately 2.4 million people in the UK each year.
The annual economic cost of foodborne diseases in the UK is estimated at £9 billion.
Effective food hygiene practices can reduce the incidence of foodborne diseases by up to 50%.
SOFHT provides resources, training, and consultancy services to over 600 member companies, spanning the entire food supply chain.

Key definitions

Food hygiene - Refers to the measures and conditions necessary to control hazards and ensure the safety of food at all stages of the food chain.
Food technology - Involves the application of food science to the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, distribution, and use of safe food.
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) - Is a systematic preventive approach to food safety that addresses physical, chemical, and biological hazards through anticipation and prevention, rather than inspection of the finished product.

Best practices for implementing legislation and regulations

Understanding legislation

The UK food industry is governed by several key pieces of legislation, including:

The Food Safety Act 1990
The Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006
The EU Regulation 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs

Implementing HACCP principles

SOFHT advocates the adoption of HACCP principles to ensure food safety. This involves:

Conducting a hazard analysis
Identifying critical control points (CCPs)
Establishing critical limits for each CCP
Implementing monitoring procedures
Establishing corrective actions
Setting up verification procedures
Maintaining comprehensive records and documentation

Regular training and certification

Continuous training is essential for maintaining high standards of food hygiene. SOFHT offers accredited training courses that cover a wide range of topics, including food safety management, allergen awareness, and food microbiology.

The role of SOFHT

Advocacy and representation

SOFHT represents its members' interests to governmental bodies and regulatory agencies, ensuring that the industry's voice is heard in legislative matters.

Providing expert resources

SOFHT offers a wealth of resources, including guidance documents, technical publications, and a helpline staffed by food safety experts.

Training and development

Through its comprehensive training programmes, SOFHT helps businesses stay current with the latest food safety standards and best practices. These courses are designed to meet the needs of all levels, from front-line staff to senior management.

Networking and knowledge sharing

SOFHT hosts regular events, webinars, and conferences, providing a platform for members to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and explore innovative solutions in food safety and hygiene.

Recommendations

Regular audits and inspections - Conducting regular audits and inspections is crucial for identifying and mitigating potential food safety risks. SOFHT provides audit services that help businesses ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Staying informed - Keeping abreast of the latest developments in food hygiene and technology is essential. SOFHT’s publications and events offer valuable insights and updates on industry trends and regulatory changes.
Leveraging technology - Implementing advanced compliance management software, such as ComplyPlus™, can streamline the management of legislation and regulatory requirements. This software helps track compliance status, manage documentation, and provide training resources efficiently.

Conclusion

The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology (SOFHT) plays a vital role in promoting food safety and hygiene across the UK’s food industry. By providing expert resources, advocacy, training, and networking opportunities, SOFHT supports businesses in meeting and exceeding regulatory standards. To ensure your organisation remains compliant and up-to-date with the latest food safety practices, consider integrating SOFHT’s resources and leveraging ComplyPlus™ for comprehensive compliance management.

Ensure your business stays at the forefront of food hygiene and safety by utilising the resources and expertise offered by SOFHT. For a seamless approach to managing legislation and regulatory compliance, explore ComplyPlus™. Click here to learn more about our training courses and compliance solutions.

About the author

Dr Richard Dune

With over 20 years of experience, Richard blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.