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BFFF URGES ITS MEMBERS TO ENSURE ADEQUATE CONTROLS ARE IN PLACE FOR EQUIPMENT FITTED WITH LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

With more equipment being introduced into the food industry with Lithium-Ion technology, BFFF urge its members to ensure adequate controls.

Lithium-ion batteries are integral to modern technology, we see this technology being introduced into the food industry in the form of powered pallet trucks, low level order pickers and fork lift trucks (MHE) It is vital to ensure adequate controls are in place especially when the food industry uses composite insulated panels (CIP’s) for temperature control which in some cases are flammable/highly flammable.

Equipment fitted with Lithium-Ion batteries poses significant fire hazards due to a phenomenon called thermal runaway. This self-sustaining reaction can lead to large scale fires or explosions and is triggered by factors like overcharging, short circuiting, and overheating.

These fires are challenging to control as the batteries are often inaccessible to suppressants, and they produce flammable and toxic vapours, can reignite due to residual heat, and react violently with common extinguishing agents.

To mitigate these risks, measures such as the use of a battery management system (BMS), installation of gas and fire detection and suppression systems, safe storage and disposal practices, adequate ventilation, regular inspection and maintenance, and proper emergency procedures are vital.

By understanding these risks and implementing appropriate measures, the likelihood and impact of such fires can be reduced, improving both the safety of people and the environment.

Cross UK in collaboration with the Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) has produced a topic paper which refers to vital safety measures and further guidance. To download the full guidance, see link below:

Fire safety concerns with lithium-ion batteries | CROSS

For more information on occupational safety and health or fire safety topics, please contact simonbrentnall@bfff.co.uk

 

THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION FOR EU POULTRY S.R.O

In February 2025, EU Poultry s.r.o. (parent company of Qualis Trade Ltd) successfully completed the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety audit and increased the certificate level to AA, the highest level within this type of audit!

The processing company passed the BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standard) audit at the beginning of the year. BRC is one of the most prestigious world standards for food safety. It sets strict requirements for quality control, hygiene and risk management. EU Poultry s.r.o. already defended its BRC certificate in 2024 with a better result than in 2023. However, the company set itself the ambitious goal of achieving an even higher score that year. It successfully completed the BRCGS audit and increased the certificate level to excellent AA.

Obtaining this certificate at the AA level confirms that the company’s products meet the highest international safety and quality standards. It is the result of the coordinated work of a team of professionals led by Yuliya Dzemiantsei, CEO of the company’s production plant. “This is an important milestone in the development of the company and a clear proof of our focus on uncompromising quality. I believe that this will further strengthen the trust of our customers and at the same time open up new opportunities in the global market,” said Yuliya Dzemiantsei.

For the processing of chicken meat, EU Poultry s.r.o. uses state-of-the-art equipment, primarily from the Netherlands and Germany. The plant undergoes regular internal inspections, and the company cooperates with the accredited company Eurofins Laboratories for testing samples. In addition to the BRC AA level certificate, EU Poultry s.r.o. also holds a Halal certificate and also from the world leader in inspection, testing and certification SGS.

INTRODUCING ADCO₂: THE PLANT-BASED CARBON DIOXIDE SET TO CONTRIBUTE TO SUSTAINABILITY

Biogenic Carbon Dioxide captured from Anaerobic Digestion will be available from Blended Products this summer, offering businesses a sustainable, plant-based alternative to traditional CO₂.

ADCO₂, derived entirely from plant-based matter through anaerobic digestion, presents a solution for industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining efficiency.

With increasing demand for eco-friendly alternatives, ADCO₂ provides ISBT quality renewable CO₂ that supports businesses committed to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and environmental responsibility. Companies using ADCO₂ could report lower Scope 3 emissions in sustainability disclosures, improving ESG scores.

Unlike conventional CO₂, which often originates from fossil fuels or ammonia production, ADCO₂ is produced from organic, renewable sources, aligning with global sustainability goals and net-zero ambitions.

Why ADCO₂? The Key Benefits for Businesses

  • Plant-based–Made entirely from vegetable and plant matter and currently going through Vegan, Plant-based and Vegetarian Certification.
  • Carbon Footprint Reduction – A renewable and sustainable alternative to traditional CO₂ sources which derive from fossil fuels.
  • Eco-Friendly Production – Harnessing the power of anaerobic digestion to create high-quality carbon dioxide.
  • Versatile Applications – Ideal for industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and more.
  • Food-grade standard/ISBT certified.

Alongside a dedicated working group of leading experts from the biogas and carbon capture sectors, Blended Products has been working hard to push the agenda of biogas and carbon capture, and partner with a UK-based AD plant to create this unique product. “ADCO₂ offers companies a tangible way to make a positive environmental impact while meeting their operational needs,” said Caroline Hunter, Head of Commercial at Blended Products Ltd. “By choosing ADCO₂, businesses can actively reduce their reliance on fossil fuel-derived CO₂ and contribute to a greener future.”

Be the First to Experience ADCO₂

ADCO₂ will be available from Summer 2025, and businesses can now register their interest to receive early updates and exclusive insights ahead of its launch.

🔗 Register Your Interest & Learn More

For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:
Charley Christopher

BIDFOOD LAUNCHES THE NEXT IN THEIR INTERACTIVE SERIES WITH THE INTERATIVE PUB

Continuing with its focus on supporting its customers across various sectors, Bidfood, one of the UK’s leading wholesalers, has released the second instalment in its all-in-one immersive support platform series, with the launch of The Interactive Pub.

With the alarming figure of six pubs closing every week in 2024[1], this second digital initiative spotlights innovation and solutions for the many components of UK pubs, empowering Bidfood’s customers to navigate what is a challenging time for the sector.

As was the case with the Interactive Care Home, Bidfood’s Interactive Pub has been designed to help operators tackle tightening budgets, rising costs and changing consumer habits, delivering a unique easy-to-use platform that clearly demonstrates how the wholesaler’s support tools, expertise and relevant ranges seamlessly integrate within a pub.

The Interactive Pub comprises a collection of expertise from across Bidfood’s Food Development, Marketing, e-commerce and Technical teams.

With over 50 interactive elements to discover, users are taken on a journey through the many areas of The Interactive Pub, given access support tools on cost saving, product guides, bespoke recipes and increase their knowledge via Bidfood’s free e-learning site, Caterers Campus.

Chris Palethorpe, Client Director for Pubs said: “We are delighted to have launched this industry-leading tool for the pub sector, the second in our interactive series.

[1] The Morning Advertiser, 2025

HAVE YOU BEEN AFFECTED BY A RECENT FOOD RECALL OR WITHDRAWAL?

Are you aware that BFFF member, Company Shop Group, are the only UK surplus redistributor with the ability to safely relabel products, whilst offering a commercial return for any such stock?

Furthermore, this can apply to both branded and retailer own label products as they have approval from all major UK retailers to redistribute and sell private label products. Utilising their own fleet of vehicles and working with third parties allows them to collect products from distribution centres as well as manufacturing facilities.

Company Shop Group would be happy to support anyone whose products are affected by such incidents, to help reduce the amount going to waste. No matter how big or unusual the challenge may seem, they are always able to find a solution, so please don’t hesitate to contact them to explore the options available to you.

Further information and contact details can be found here

TERRORISM BILL CONCLUDES LORDS COMMITTEE STAGE – PROPOSED CAPACITY FOR QUALIFYING PREMISES INCLUDING FOOD RETAILERS TO 300

Members of the House of Lords concluded their detailed examination of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, during committee stage last Wednesday (12 February). One of the amendments could take some retail premises out of scope with proposed capacity of qualifying premises to 300.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill aims to improve protective security and preparation across the UK by requiring those responsible for certain public buildings and venues to implement measures to mitigate the risk of physical harm and, in the case of larger premises, to reduce vulnerability to terrorist attacks.

Committee stage is a thorough examination of the individual parts (clauses) of the Bill. Starting from the front of the Bill, members work through the clauses in order, considering changes (amendments) to the wording or proposals for new clauses.

Committee stage took place over four days:

  • Monday 3 February.
  • Wednesday 5 February.
  • Monday 10 February.
  • Wednesday 12 February.

Proposed changes

Members speaking on the fourth and final day of committee stage (12 February) put forward amendments (PDF) to the Bill on subjects including:

  • Human Rights Act 1998 compatibility in regard to protesting.
  • Tax relief incentives for increased security.
  • Responsibilities of local authorities.

On 10 February, members put forward amendments to the Bill on subjects including:

  • Power of ministers to alter public protection procedures.
  • Waiving of protection procedures for venues if the costs are unreasonable.
  • Developing and implementing training on public protection.

On 5 February, amendments on subjects including the following were put forward:

  • Preventing individuals entering or leaving events.
  • Exemptions to new rules due to unreasonable costs.
  • Security procedures for rural and outdoor events.
  • Deadlines for organisations’ submissions of security plans.

Members speaking on day one of committee stage put forward amendments to the Bill on subjects including:

  • Raising capacity of ‘qualifying premises’ to 300.
  • Capacity of railway stations excluding rail vehicles.
  • Exclusion of small capacity sports grounds.

What’s next?

Report stage, a further chance to closely scrutinise elements of the Bill and make changes, is scheduled for Tuesday 4 March.

Member Benefits

Exclusive Partnership deals on key products and services:

  • BFFF energy deals and rates
  • Vypr member deals and introduction
  • Defib Plus deals
  • Company Shop – membership
  • Mentor – MHE training health check

Exclusive access to networking opportunities and events:

  • Meet the Buyer events (retail & foodservice)
  • Annual Business Conference with networking dinner
  • Specialist H&S and Technical Conferences
  • Special interest groups (packaging, frozen food temperatures)
  • Annual Lunch
  • Awards Night
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