The Food Standards Agency in Scotland have developed the web tool so businesses, primarily smoked fish producers, can assess the effectiveness of their current processes and reduce the risk of contamination by Listeria monocytogenes.
The web tool asks the user a series of questions to establish whether they are following best practice, or whether a different approach is recommended. The assessment can be completed anonymously; however, businesses are encouraged to register so they may complete the assessment annually and compare results with previous years – allowing them to see how they've made their products safer.
Geoff Ogle, Director, Food Standards Agency, said: "The production of safe food is critical in protecting consumers. The ‘Safe Smoked Fish Tool’ is a focused way for smoked fish producers to ensure they are following best practice methods, with free advice and information on how to produce safe food. The tool is accessible and simple to use, enabling producers to monitor their own performance and ultimately reduce the risk of Listeria contamination. Improving controls in smoked fish production helps provide safer products, which also helps businesses in areas such as exports."
The tool can be accessed on the Food Standards Agency website www.food.gov.uk/safesmokedfish
