Excellence Ireland Quality Association

Results Through Certification and Experience

New Hygiene Programme Launch For EIQA

"The Hygiene Foundation Programme"

Mary Wallace Minister of State at the Department of Health & Children with responsibility for health promotion & food safety was in attendance for the launch at CATEX 2009..

The Hygiene Foundation Programme is aimed at coffee shops, take aways, juice bars, sandwich bars hotels, restaurants, pubs, and small express retail stores, that are serving food & who want independent recognition for their high operational hygiene standards.

Although all food service operators are required to comply with the requirement of IS: 340 (Irish Standard 340 Hygiene in the catering industry) EIQA don't believe that compliance only, is good enough!

Speaking at the launch, Irene Collins, Managing Director of EIQA said, "33% of consumers will not return to a food establishment that has poor standards of hygiene. Proprietors of food businesses should ensure that hygiene is an essential ingredient in operating standards and not give customers an excuse to shop or eat elsewhere."

Achieving the Hygiene Foundation Standard will clearly let consumers know that the establishment displaying the foundation certificate is committed to meeting and exceeding the highest standards of food safety.

Mike Malloy, Managing Director, Baxter Storey Foodservices ,who have already signed up to the standard said "By attaining the Hygiene Foundation Programme Certificate by EIQA for different parts of our business we are sending out a strong message to our customers that we focus on their needs & deliver service standards that make a real difference. We don't believe compliance only, is good enough! We are on a journey of continuous improvement & the Independent audit by EIQA tells us exactly where we are on that journey and like all good GPS (Global positioning Systems) the report also tells us how to make further progress."

Paul Skinner of Derrynaflan Foods, sponsors of the Hygiene Foundation Programme said "as a leading supplier in the retail and food service markets since 1987, we recognise the need for high industry standards, we participate in the EIQA Hygiene Certified programme & would encourage all food establishments to participate in the hygiene programme suitable to the size and style of their food business as this will raise awareness of hygiene standards, increase consumer confidence & further enhance Ireland's image as the Food Island".