Managed pub and bar group TCG has mapped all its menus to ensure that full allergen information is now available for every dish sold across the business.
In addition, allergens training now forms part of TCG’s core staff training programme, ensuring that both kitchen and front of house staff understand their responsibilities under the new legislation, know where to find the information about their menu when asked, and can advise customers as well as recognise the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
From December 13 2014, all food businesses in the UK will be required to provide details of any of 14 allergens contained in food and drink to their customers on request. As well as being aware of how to access the information about the food on offer, there are a number of other obligations for staff which need to be incorporated into employee training.
New autumn menus with allergen compliance built in
TCG has developed new autumn menus for all three of its segmented food formats. These include the premium Henry’s Café Bar businesses, the mainstream Good Honest Food menu, and the branded community pub King’s Feasts food operation.
TCG director of operations Ben Levick said, “Compliance with the new legislation was built into the planning process for autumn menus from the word go. We’ve worked with our menu consultant FoodWorks to ensure that we have a full list of the ingredients used in all the dishes served across the business, both established favourites and new additions.
“We’ve also ensured that the information is also available where our pubs and bars offer breakfast or other special menus, as well for the full range of cocktails served across all our venues, along with beer, wine and other drinks. Every venue will have an allergens folder containing details for each.”
Levick added, “In common with other operators, we’re having to deal with new legislation coming into force at the busiest time of year for food sales. Everyone, from our menu development team through to trainers, general managers, chefs and the staff on the front line, has worked hard to ensure that we are fully compliant and will be ready to deal with customer enquiries when the rules change on December 13.”
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