Thursday, 15 January 2015

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is holding a free ‘Small Food Business Start-Up Seminar’ to assist those working in small food businesses or those who are thinking of setting up a food business. This highly successful event usually attracts over 100 budding food entrepreneurs.

The half-day seminar brings together experts from the FSAI and the Health Service Executive to provide assistance and advice on compliance with food safety legislation.  The event takes place from 08:00am to 13:00pm on Wednesday, 28^th January at Crowne Plaza Northwood, Northwood Park, Santry, Dublin 9.  Booking is advised and further information is available at www.fsai.ie/events or email businessstartup@fsai.ie.

Experts on the day explore everything from running a small food business, food safety training requirements, setting up a food safety management system, labelling regulations, traceability, the food recall process, inspections and the information resources available from the FSAI. 

There will be a representative from the Environmental Health Service outlining details on how to register a food business and what to expect from an inspection. A new product development expert from Teagasc will also outline what is involved in developing a new food product and two small food business owners will outline their recent experience in setting up a food business.

There will be a number of Q&A sessions throughout the morning and all experts will be available after the event for further discussion.  The Health and Safety Authority will be present to answer your queries in relation to the health and safety requirements in your food business.  Microfinance Ireland will also be present to discuss loans that are available to newly established and growing microenterprises.

According to Prof. Alan Reilly, Chief Executive, FSAI the Small Food Business Start-up Seminar is a one-stop-shop for anyone who is thinking about starting a small food business and/or who has recently gone into business in the food sector.

    “Our aim is to reduce the barriers faced by food entrepreneurs seeking to enter the food sector and make it easier to comply with all the various food safety and hygiene requirements,” he said.  “This seminar is one of a number of free supports we provide on an ongoing basis to budding food entrepreneurs. We have a free Advice Line and a dedicated online resource to assist business people thinking of setting up a new food outlet or business. There is a definite appetite among people wishing to pursue new food business enterprises,” stated Prof. Reilly.