Erudus supports mock trial to highlight food allergy law

A leading provider of food product data to the foodservice industry has pledged its support for an event highlighting allergen responsibility.

Erudus is backing a mock trial, hosted by training consultancy Food Allergy Aware in partnership with law firm Blake Morgan, to enhance food businesses’ knowledge of their legal obligations on allergens.

The company, which allows wholesalers and caterers to instantly access food specifications uploaded directly by manufacturers, is urging those in the industry to take notice of the food law seminar.

It comes amid growing concerns over incorrect allergen information being shared on the high street, with the firm commenting on a BBC Watchdog feature on allergens at the end of 2018.

And following a number of high profile legal cases involving food outlets and allergens in 2018, Erudus’ chief operating officer, Jon Shayler, says the mock trial will promote a crucial issue facing the industry.

He said: “We’re really looking forward to this event, with the outcome providing insight to everyone in foodservice about the potential repercussions of getting it wrong.

“From manufacturers to wholesalers and caterers, allergen information is something that must be adhered to in order to avoid prosecution and potentially catastrophic consequences.

“I’m hopeful that the mock trial will show how the correct allergen information and product specifications can be identified and made easily available to all parties.”

Tom Walker, a senior associate barrister at Blake Morgan, added: “Running a food business means understanding the complexities of what goes into each product and how that’s traced across the supply chain.

“Getting it wrong can be extremely serious, so we’re pleased to be working with Food Allergy Aware to highlight the risks and responsibilities – and what companies can be do to make sure they’re taking action to keep people safe.”

Caroline Benjamin, founder and consultant of Food Allergy Aware, added: “I’m looking forward to working with the team at Blake Morgan to highlight what happens when something goes wrong in the supply of food products, as well as the legal proceedings that may follow.

“Our objective in providing awareness training is to help ensure that no food business gets to the point of a criminal prosecution. We want to help food business owners review their processes and, if required, invest in further training and auditing to make sure they’re fully compliant.”

The interactive event will see practising barristers and solicitors play out a fictional prosecution of a food business involved in the supply of produce containing allergens that had not been correctly listed.

It will also examine the responsibility of each party involved in the supply chain, and the dynamics of due diligence and product recall.

The mock hearing takes place on Wednesday 20 March from 8:30am to 2:30pm at Blake Morgan’s New Kings Court office in Eastleigh.

Tickets are priced at £25 per person, and include a light lunch sponsored by Middleton Foods, Venice Bakery and Mozzarilla.

To book go to https://www.fatc.co.uk/events/food-allergy-prosecution-mock-trial/

Erudus is the leading foodservice data pool software and hosts the specifications of major manufacturers including Heinz, Premier Foods, and Unilever.

For more information visit erudus.com.