SAFER FOOD, BETTER BUSINESS

What is Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB)?

Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB) is a food safety management system developed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to help small food businesses comply with food safety regulations and improve their hygiene standards. SFBB is a practical, jargon-free system that focuses on controlling the "4 Cs": cross-contamination, cleaning, chilling, and cooking. The SFBB diary is designed to be simple for small businesses to implement and understand in order to document their food safety procedures and practices. Safer Food, Better Business outlines essential food safety management procedures tailored for small businesses, ensuring they adhere to the latest food standards and serve safe dishes. There is also a digital diary version available which is cost-effective and promotes sustainable food practices by reducing paper waste.

Food Business Registration:

Register your food business with the Environmental Health Team at least 28 days before operations begin. If acquiring an existing business, register as the new owner, and inform the council of significant ongoing changes to maintain food compliance.

Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB) encompasses guidelines on:

• Cross-contamination
• Cleaning
• Chilling
• Cooking
• Management

Using Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB) aids in:

• Achieving food compliance with hygiene regulations
• Documenting sustainable food practices, including effective cleaning
• Training staff in robust hygiene practices
• Protecting your businesses reputation
• Enhancing your food hygiene rating score

Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB) caters to specific needs, including those of caterers, childminders, care homes, and educational institutions, ensuring compliance with food standards.

Is a temperature probe necessary?

Using a temperature probe ensures adherence to food safety standards during cooking, reheating, hot holding, or chilling processes.

How to employ Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB):

Store completed diary pages securely until the next visit from a local food safety officer. The diary, essential for food regulation, ensures daily records of food operations and compliance with food safety practices. 'Safe methods' must be completed prior to operations, reviewed regularly, and updated with changes. The diary is completed daily, identifying persistent issues and noting deviations.

Compliance with Food Standards Laws using Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB):

While SFBB isn't a legal requirement itself, it is legally required for food businesses to have a documented food safety management system based on the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). SFBB, a food safety management system, supports this requirement, fostering food compliance through daily records, ultimately improving food hygiene ratings.

Who manages the Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB) diary?

The food business operator ensures food safety for customers. Food handlers must follow protocols and report issues. The diary manager educates staff on its use, ensuring it is complete and updated, representing a core component of food regulation adherence.

Do I need extensive daily records?

While daily diary completion is crucial, additional records may be necessary based on your businesses scope to ensure sustainable food practices. Recording purchases, suppliers, quantities, dates, and allergens is legally required, best managed by retaining invoices and receipts.