SMC Food Safety Management Consultants

08/09/2026

An issue we discussed at both of our food safety training courses last week 👩‍🏫 …..

14/08/2026

A restaurant has been ordered to pay more than £8,000 after two dairy-free oat milk cappuccinos were lab tested and found to contain milk proteins at levels that could have caused allergic reactions in people with a milk allergy.

Following an investigation by Durham County Council, local authority officers purchased the drinks on two separate occasions, first in August 2024 and again in May 2025. On both occasions, laboratory tests found milk protein in drinks that were being sold as dairy-free.

After the first incident, the business introduced new allergen procedures and staff training. However, when officers returned several months later, the same issue was identified again. The company later told the court it did not know how the milk proteins had become present at the levels detected.

This is an important reminder that allergen safety depends on more than having a policy in place. It requires robust systems, effective staff training and consistent procedures that are understood and followed every single time.

For people living with food allergies, ordering food or drink means placing their trust in someone else to get it right. That trust should never be taken lightly.

Everyone should be able to eat and drink with confidence.

09/08/2026

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has recalled batches of seed mix and sesame seeds due to the presence of salmonella.

12/05/2026

As they say.. check your freezers! 👇👇

The Food Safety Authority (FSAI) has issued recall notices for various batches of Manor Farm, and Western Brand chicken products, as well as a notice for specific batches of Lidl chicken breast fillet products due to the presence of salmonella.

12/05/2026

Well done Coole Farm Salads

Thank you .ie

Making the mammys proud getting into a national paper. 😍
We were delighted to chat to them about what we do and why supporting locals food producers is so important.

Lets keep shouting about it together. 💪






❤️

01/05/2026

Blas Entries Are Open: https://www.irishfoodawards.com/blas-2026/

✨ The 19th Blas na hÉireann (Irish Food Awards) takes place on October 2nd 2026 ✨

The biggest blind tasting competition in Ireland, celebrating the very best of Irish food & drink 🍽️

Producers from every county compete for Gold, Silver & Bronze — plus top titles like Supreme Champion & Best Artisan Producer 🏆

📅 Entry Deadline: May 14
🏆 Awards: October 2

Muchgrange Farm Category; Sorbet Gold and Best in Louth 2025

Ready to enter? 👉 https://www.irishfoodawards.com/blas-2026/

05/02/2026

www.fsai.ie/news-and-alerts/food-alerts/recall-of-a-batch-of-et-voila-pain-au-chocolat-due

Recall of a batch of Et Voilá Pains au Chocolat due to the possible presence of metal pieces Thursday, 05 February 2026 Alert Summary Category 1: For Action Alert Notification: 2026.04 Product Identification: Et Voilá! Pains au Chocolat; pack size: 4 pack Batch Code Best before date: 05/02/2026 Me...