Training guidance for multicultural workforces in the chilled food sector is now available. “Food Safety and Hygiene Training in a Multicultural Environment” has been developed by representatives of the chilled food industry in association with Food Northwest and Industrious. It highlights good practice for the food manufacturing sector and is targeted particularly at chilled food and drink manufacturers who directly employ, or who use the services of a labour provider to supply workers who may be from different cultural backgrounds.
The Guidance outlines procedures and gives practical examples of action which employers can take to ensure that their legal and moral obligations are met. The recommendations complement existing food safety and hygiene management arrangements and include:
- Managing culture and diversity
- Effective recruitment
- The use of risk assessment techniques
- Communication
- Induction and training
- Successful supervision
- Efficacy of training
- Guidance on creating a positive hygiene and food safety environment in a multicultural workplace
- Appendices: ESOL Framework, Example job descriptions; Précis of key hygiene/food safety legislation; and Legal aspects of employment.
Playing an integral part in the development of the guidance document, Sue Patterson, Director of Industrious, had the following to say.
“With all the jargon in the food industry, understanding language capabilities is extremely important. By sharing our knowledge and experiences to produce this guide, we can hopefully work together to drive standards and encourage best practise.”
The guide is available from the CFA website, but do contact Industrious should you require any more information.
