The HSE has released its workplace fatality figures for 2019/2020. The provisional annual data for work-related fatalities has identified 111 workers were fatally injured at work during this period (a rate of 0.34 deaths per 100,000 workers). This is the lowest year on record and represents a reduction from the previous year of 38 deaths. It is thought that the slowing down in the economy caused by COVID-19 in the last two months of this collated data (March and April) may be a contributing factor in this reduction.

The construction sector has had the highest number of workplace fatalities over the last 12 months. Falling from height still recorded as the most common cause of work-related death. The latest HSE figures also highlight the risks to older workers, with 27% of fatal injuries occurring to workers aged over 60.

The three most common causes of fatal injuries continue to be:

• Falling from height – 29
• Struck by a moving vehicle – 20
• Struck by a moving object – 18

These three causes account for 60% of the workplace fatality figures in 2019/20.

The three highest fatality figures by sector are:

• Construction – 40
• Agricultural, forestry and fishing – 20
• Waste and recycling – 5

In line with previous years’ fatal injury statistics, these figures do not include deaths from occupational disease. COVID-19 infection is therefore not part of these figures and will not feature in fatal injury statistics in subsequent years.

 

Mesothelioma, which is contracted through past exposure to asbestos and is one of the few work-related diseases where deaths can be counted directly, killed 2,446 in Great Britain in 2018. This is slightly lower than the average 2,550 over the previous five years.

The current figures are largely a consequence of occupational asbestos exposures that occurred before 1980. Annual mesothelioma deaths are expected to fall below current levels for years beyond 2020

A new study commissioned by frozen food giants Birds Eye and Iceland has indicated that the acceleration of frozen food’s revival during the UK lockdown is set to continue, and create long-term changes in shopping habits. With more shoppers than ever being drawn to the category since mid-March, the results of the exclusive study highlight value for money and reduction of food waste as two of the main reasons that the popularity will remain.

The collaboration between Iceland and Birds Eye reveals how habits have changed, with the freezer becoming a firm favourite with younger shoppers. Over a quarter (26 per cent) of 18-24-year olds are buying more frozen equivalents of their regular fresh items and almost a third (31 per cent) are trying new frozen foods such as meat substitutes. Generation Z has been paving the way during lockdown and is making frozen fashionable again, with 40 per cent of 18-24 year olds stocking up on more healthy frozen options like frozen vegetables, fruit, meat and fish.

As attitudes towards food continue to develop, with people spending more time in the kitchen and cooking from scratch, a third (33 per cent) of all UK shoppers are using their freezer more efficiently with a further one in five (21 per cent) including more frozen foods in their cooking. The stats indicate this could be a long-term trend as almost a quarter (24 per cent) plan to continue buying more frozen food after lockdown.

The cost saving potential has been highlighted as one of the key benefits that frozen food has over fresh alternatives, with one in five (21 per cent) highlighting how frozen items can be better value for money than fresh, and 17 per cent agree they can get far more for their money from shopping frozen.

New data  from a previously unreleased study by Manchester Metropolitan University, which analysed the financial impact of families eating fresh and frozen food, found that frozen offers around a 30 per cent saving in comparison to fresh; and the average family could save a whopping £1,500 a year by incorporating more frozen food into their food shops. With over a third (34 per cent) of shoppers planning to tighten their purse strings when it comes to food shopping after lockdown, frozen food is set to be a regular fixture on the nation’s shopping lists.

Further research commissioned by Birds Eye and Iceland before lockdown took a deep dive into consumer shopping habits and found that over £188 million worth of food was wasted nationwide each week. For every £1 spent at the till, more than 15p was money down the drain due to the amount of fresh food thrown away. 85 per cent of consumers expressed a desire to reduce their household food waste, but a quarter of those admitted to not knowing where to start.

But it seems that lockdown has given shoppers the time to reflect, with 47 per cent of those polled expressing they are far more conscious of the food that their household is wasting since March, with the figure rising to over half (54 per cent) of 18 – 24-year olds. When asked why, the top reasons were becoming more aware on what they are spending on food (48 per cent), avoiding unnecessary trips to the shop (44 per cent) and being more conscious of the food that is being wasted collectively (39 per cent).

When it comes to food and shopping habits, the resilience and adaptability of British shoppers has led them to find the silver lining. Over a third (34 per cent) plan to be more considerate with their money, 19 per cent have become more adventurous with their cooking and a quarter (25 per cent) are spending more mealtimes together as a family.

Saving money by switching from fresh to frozen, does not mean compromising on health, in fact, a quarter (25 per cent) of shoppers have eaten more frozen vegetables in lockdown than they did before, with peas, sweetcorn, carrots and broccoli taking pride of place in freezers. 14 per cent have even increased their vegetable intake during the lockdown months thanks to the convenience of frozen, with the number rising to 17 per cent for 18 – 24 year olds; an age bracket traditionally known as being less likely than other adults to get their five-a-day.

Richard Harrow, CEO at The British Frozen Food Federation said: “People are more concerned than ever before about the effects of food waste on the environment. Being at home so much recently has given them more time to cook and enjoy food and made many realise that frozen offers an ideal way to buy food which is not only healthy, with less additives, but also produces minimal food waste.

I believe that as consumers discover the huge range of products in the frozen aisle, they will be delighted by the quality, value and diversity of what’s on offer and keep coming back for more.”

Steve Challouma, General Manager UK at Birds Eye said: “It’s clear that whilst lockdown has brought many different challenges, new frozen shopping habits have emerged to help us save money and reduce food waste, whilst still enabling us to enjoy great quality and delicious food. The research also shows that many of us are making healthy food choices and adding more goodness to our diet – with shoppers actively buying more frozen vegetables.

“We’re excited to see shoppers discovering the many benefits frozen food including the interesting and tasty products on offer, and how they can be enjoyed on their own or used in creating delicious recipes. As households become even more conscious of their spending, we expect this behaviour to continue.”

Richard Walker, Managing Director at Iceland said: “We’ve been passionate about the benefits of frozen food for decades, and frozen has never been more relevant than today. Many families have taken positive learnings from lockdown, and we recognise that families are looking to reduce both their household spending and food waste more than ever before. We believe that simple switches to frozen food can help to make a real difference, without any need to compromise on taste or quality.

“The recent findings highlight the positive role frozen food can play, and we look forward to inspiring more and more families to make the switch to frozen as a permanent change.”

Sales of frozen food increased by £285m in the last three months according to the latest statistics from Kantar and the British Frozen Food Federation.

The growth in sales is currently double the increase in value experienced in the previous 12-week period to 22 March, revealing frozen food is becoming increasingly popular with shoppers.

Frozen sales increased in value by 19.4% and volume was up 17.5% in the period from the end of March to 14 June. In the previous 12-week period the value growth was 9.7% and volume 9.3%

The recent 12-week data also reveals frozen outperformed the total grocery market as well as fresh and chilled food sales in both value and volume.

The surge in sales follows a trend first reported by BFFF in April, when data revealed that in the four weeks from 23 February to 22 March British shoppers spent an extra £131 million on everything, from ice cream to frozen meat and poultry, as they filled up their freezers before the lockdown began on 23 March.

In addition to the recent boost, the Kantar figures also reveal that long-term frozen sales are increasing. Data covering the 52 weeks from 16 June 2019 to 14 June 2020 shows that sales of frozen food reached £6.7bn, an increase in value of 6.1%, and that volume grew to 5.4%. In comparison sales of fresh and chilled food increased in value by 5%.

The Kantar figures show six out of nine categories of frozen food have seen a sales and volume increase over the last year, with frozen veg up 9.4% in volume and frozen pizza up 9.5% in volume. Ice cream and frozen fish sales also performed impressively, up in value by 8.9% and 8.8% respectively. Only confectionery, meat & poultry, and frozen ready meals saw small declines over 52 weeks.

Richard Harrow, BFFF chief executive said: “We now know more consumers than ever have been shopping in the frozen aisle since mid-March. This is hardly surprising, given the long shelf-life, reduced food waste, value for money and variety of food on offer there.”

These findings are supported by recently released research commissioned by BFFF members Iceland and Birds Eye, that suggests the frozen revival is here to stay. The study shows ‘value for money’ is just one of the reasons people will continue to fill their freezers post-coronavirus.

The study included insights into how buying habits have changed, with Generation Z driving sales through a newly-discovered appreciation of the benefits of frozen.

 

More than a quarter (26%) of 18-24-year-olds are buying more frozen equivalents of their regular fresh items while 40% have been stocking up on healthy frozen options including frozen vegetables, fruit, meat and fish. Almost a third (31%) are trying new frozen foods such as meat substitutes, says the report.

Mr Harrow added: “Individual retailers have reported a huge surge in frozen sales during lockdown. What’s really encouraging is that quality and innovation is attracting new younger consumers to the category as well as exciting our traditional shoppers.

“We are seeing lots of shoppers visiting our website for information on how to defrost, how long to keep frozen food and to find out if they can refreeze food that’s been defrosted. There are also plenty of people seeking inspiration from the recipe section. This all points to ongoing success for the frozen sector.”

Mr Harrow concluded: “This data is incredibly welcome news. Now that many more consumers have discovered the benefits of frozen food, further innovation and creativity will ensure frozen continues to be a key part of their shopping repertoire.”

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Meadow Vale Foods’ highly successful Chef to Chef Menu Development Days have been taken online in an exciting new development to meet the challenges of today’s environment.

Managing Director at Meadow Vale Foods, Nigel O’Donnell commented, ‘Whilst it’s very positive that large sectors of the Food Service Industry have been given the go ahead to re-open, caterers across all sectors are forced to rethink their operating models to comply with the Government guidance.’ Nigel continued, ‘With our Chef Live Demos we are able to offer customers the support they need to develop simplified yet innovative menus to meet the demands of their customers whilst managing the additional requirements of social distancing both front and back of house.’

The Chef Live Demo service offers customers a chance to discuss menu development tailored specifically to their business. A sample pack is sent ahead of the meeting to cook along and try out the ideas with the Meadow Vale Foods’ team.

‘With many of our customers looking for help to develop menus to suit the changing circumstances, we wanted to find an alternative approach, hence the launch of our Live Chef Demos.  The Demos are tailored to the specific customer needs and concerns’ explained Chris Moyes, Development Chef at Meadow Vale Foods. Chris added, ‘The customer receives a tailored pack the day before the call and can cook along with me. The feedback so far has been excellent and although we’d much prefer to invite customers to our development kitchen, times have changed and we needed to adapt to continue to help our customers.’

See how you can benefit from this innovative new service by clicking on the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQsuMAX8Z9Q or going to Meadow Vale Foods website www.meadowvalefoods.co.uk.

As we emerge from the Coronavirus pandemic, we must once again refocus on our preparations for the end of the transition period.

Since 1st February 2020, following its official withdrawal from the EU the UK became a ‘third country’. The Withdrawal Agreement provided for a transition period ending on 31st December 2020. Until that date, the UK remains bound by EU law.

During the transition period, the UK and EU have been negotiating a new partnership agreement.

However, it is still not certain whether such an agreement will be concluded nor, unfortunately, the exact detail in many areas impacting the food and drink industry such as labelling easements and any derogations. However, you can find more information about the transition period and what actions you can take now to ensure you are prepared at https://www.gov.uk/transition.

The EU Commission is also reviewing, and where necessary updating, the over 100 sector-specific stakeholder preparedness notices it published during the Article 50 negotiations with the UK. This includes notices covering areas such as Food Law and Excise Duties.

BFFF along with our Primary Authority and a number of other trade bodies have been pushing for further clarity during our regular meetings with the likes of Defra and the FSA and they are working hard to get us the answers you all need. As soon as we know more, we will ensure you are updated. Please make sure you regularly check the BFFF Brexit Hub for the very latest information.

Also, please don’t forget to register for our next Live Webinar on 15^th July at 14:00 where James Walton from IGD will be giving us an up to date view on Brexit negotiations.

And finally, we would love to hear from you….

• How ‘Brexit prepared’ do you feel your business is?
• What are your main areas of concern?

Email deniserion@bfff.co.uk

BFFF are aware of reports circulating in the media surrounding the latest covid-19 outbreak in Beijing including the claims that its transmission route could’ve been frozen food. BFFF are monitoring the situation closely and Government are working hard to respond to such claims. As always, we will be led by the scientific evidence as and when it is published.

Latest UK research has shown that the probability that UK consumers will receive potentially infectious exposures of SARS-CoV-2 via the consumption of food or the handling of food contact materials or packaging is Negligible as assessed by pathway A (food of animal origin) and Very Low (“very rare but cannot be excluded”) as assessed by pathway B (contamination of food), with an overall risk of Very Low:

https://www.food.gov.uk/research/research-projects/qualitative-risk-assessment-on-the-risk-of-food-or-food-contact-materials-as-a-transmission-route-for-sars-cov-2