Council assist Childcare facilities to manage allergens

February 17, 2020

Food allergies and intolerances are life changing and to support local childcare facilities Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) recently hosted an Allergen Awareness seminar showing how they could manage allergens in their premises.

Over 20 childcare providers from the council area attended the event, which explained the issues surrounding the 14 major allergens and how to control these in their facilities.

Mr Richard Harvey, Head of Environmental Health said: “In the UK around 8% of children are affected by food allergies or intolerances. Year on year childcare providers are finding more children in their care having complex dietary requirements. The council is keen to work with local organisations that supply food to ensure they are aware of measures to control allergens, as this is a life or death matter. Through events such as this we can safeguard the health and wellbeing of our communities, while strengthening Lisburn and Castlereagh’s position as an innovative location to live, work, visit and invest.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Robert Lamont, Environmental Health Manager from the council, spoke about the legal aspects of allergen control and the practical steps childcare facilities must take to ensure the safety of the children with food allergies.

If you would like to find out more about the legal requirements around controlling allergens in your business, or for more information on food safety, call 028 9244 7300, email env.health@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or go to www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/allergens