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How to Ensure Food Hygiene in Nurseries

15th October 2024

Maintaining food hygiene in nurseries is essential to protect the health of young children. In nursery settings, children's developing immune systems make them more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, making food hygiene critical for their safety and well-being. This blog explores the importance of food hygiene in nurseries, outlines key food standards and best practices, and emphasises the role of professional catering in ensuring these standards are met. 

Understanding the 4Cs of Food Hygiene in a Nursery Setting 

The term "food hygiene" refers to the conditions and measures necessary to ensure the safety of food from production to consumption. 

Food safety and hygiene are often used interchangeably, but food safety covers a broader range of issues, including regulations, while food hygiene focuses on cleanliness, cross-contamination prevention, and more. —The core principles that provide a framework for effective  food hygiene practices in nurseries are the 4Cs, which stand for:

  • Cross-contamination

  • Cleaning

  • Chilling

  • Cooking

Cross-contamination 

Cross-contamination occurs when harmful bacteria or allergens are transferred from one surface or food to another. This is a major risk in nurseries, where food is prepared in bulk and different ingredients are handled simultaneously. 

There are several elements nursery providers need to consider to prevent cross-contamination: 

  • Store raw meats separately from ready-to-eat foods. 

  • Use different chopping boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods. 

  • Ensure that all food handlers are aware of allergen risks and how to avoid cross-contact. 

Cleaning 

Effective cleaning eliminates bacteria and viruses from surfaces, equipment, and hands, reducing the risk of contamination. 

In nurseries, where young children are often in close contact with one another and frequently touch surfaces, the risk of contamination is high. 

Cleaning surfaces, equipment, and hands in nurseries reduces the likelihood of outbreaks, safeguarding children's health and preventing the spread of infections.

Some best cleaning practices for a nursery setting include: 

  • Regularly disinfecting food preparation areas, utensils, and equipment. 

  • Ensuring that all staff wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling food. 

  • Establishing a cleaning schedule for all areas involved in food preparation and storage. 

Chilling 

Proper chilling is essential to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Food should be stored at safe temperatures, especially in nurseries, where food might be prepared in advance. 

Some best practices you should consider as a nursery provider include: 

  • Keeping refrigerators below 5°C and freezers at -18°C. 

  • Storing perishable foods, such as dairy and cooked meats, immediately after delivery or preparation. 

  • Monitoring and recording fridge and freezer temperatures regularly to ensure they remain in the safe range. 

Cooking 

Cooking food to the correct temperature ensures that harmful bacteria are destroyed. This is especially important when preparing meals for young children, as undercooked food can lead to foodborne illness and food poisoning. 

Best practices include: 

  • Cooking any high-risk foods such as meats, especially poultry, to a core temperature of 75°C and hold that temperature for 30 seconds or above. 

  • Using a food thermometer to check that food has been cooked thoroughly. 

  • Ensuring that reheated food reaches the correct temperature to kill any bacteria that may have developed during storage. 

  • Calibrating probes on a weekly or monthly basis. 

Food Hygiene in Nurseries: Essential Standards and Practices 

Food hygiene is not just a matter of best practices but also a legal requirement for nurseries. The UK has stringent regulations in place to ensure the safety of food in early years settings. 

Food Hygiene Regulations for Nurseries 

In England, nurseries are required to adhere to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which governs various aspects of childcare, including food hygiene. 

As of January 2024, this framework mandates that nurseries meet certain standards regarding food and drink. Providers are assessed by Ofsted and Childminder Agencies (CMAs) to ensure they comply with these requirements, which include providing safe, nutritious food that supports children's growth and development. 

Other important regulations include the Food Safety Act 1990, which outlines the responsibilities of food businesses to ensure that food is safe to eat, and the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006, which specify the hygiene standards required in food preparation and storage areas.  

Best Practices to Ensure Food Hygiene in Nursery Settings 

To ensure food hygiene standards are consistently met, nurseries should implement the following best practices: 

  • Proper Staff Training: All staff involved in food preparation should have completed relevant training, such as a Level 2 Food Safety course, to ensure they are aware of current regulations and best practices. 

  • Food Hygiene Policy: A food hygiene policy for nurseries should cover all aspects of food safety, including storage, preparation, handling, and staff training. 

  • Reliable Caterers: Nurseries should partner with a trusted catering service that understands food hygiene regulations and can provide meals that meet the necessary standards. 

  • Allergen Management: It is crucial to be mindful of food allergies and special dietary requirements. Nurseries must have systems in place to avoid cross-contamination and provide safe, allergen-free meals where necessary. It is vital that anyone working in an Early Years catering environment is sufficiently allergy trained with a Level 2 Food Allergy Certificate.  

  •  Storage Systems: Proper storage is vital in nursery settings. This includes using separate storage areas for raw and cooked food and implementing a food safety management system to monitor and log storage temperatures. 

The Role of Catering in Nursery Food Hygiene 

Catering plays a crucial role in maintaining food hygiene in nurseries. By collaborating with trusted nursery catering companies, nurseries can ensure that meals are prepared and delivered in accordance with the highest food safety standards. 

Professional caterers bring several advantages: 

  • Expertise in Food Safety: Professional caterers are well-versed in the latest food hygiene regulations and can ensure that meals are prepared, stored, and delivered under safe conditions. 

  • Nutritionally Balanced Meals: Caterers can provide meals that not only meet hygiene standards but also offer the necessary nutritional balance for young children's growth and development. 

How a Caterer with the Right Food Hygiene Approach  Your Nursery 

  • Checking food hygiene practices and regulations is a must when selecting a nursery caterer. When evaluating nurseries should focus on: Hygiene Protocols: Ask about the caterer's hygiene protocols, including how they handle food preparation, delivery, and any special dietary requirements. 

  • Testimonials and References: Choose a nursery caterer with proven experience in providing safe, nutritious meals to nurseries. 

  • Licensing and Accreditation: Check if the caterer holds relevant food safety certifications, such as hygiene certification or HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) accreditation. 

Our Food Hygiene Approach

To ensure the highest standards of food hygiene, we take several key measures in our nursery meal service. Each day, we closely monitor the delivery temperatures of our meals using data logging probes placed in sample boxes. These probes record the temperature continuously, allowing us to track the food's temperature right up until service, ensuring it stays safe for consumption.

As a UK-approved food business, we are registered with Wealden District Council, delivering nursery meals across East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent, London, Brighton, Surrey, and Essex. Our operations fully comply with The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 and EU Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004. We also adhere to EC Regulations 853/2004, with our approval number EC WE069 UK listed on the Food Standards Agency website. For high-risk products such as meat, fish, and dairy, we only source from approved suppliers.

We comply with the Food Standards Agency’s allergen regulations, ensuring all allergen information is available next to each menu item in our Nursery Menu Information Packs. Our meals undergo microbiological testing every three months by an accredited laboratory, and our water supply is tested regularly. Additionally, we maintain a minimum of £10 million in public liability insurance.

While we do not use nut products or derivatives in our meals, and we clearly label the 14 allergens covered by Retained Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011, we cannot guarantee that any products from our suppliers have not come into contact with nuts or other allergens before arriving at our kitchen. As such, we cannot accept liability for allergic reactions, including nut allergies. However, we are committed to offering suitable alternatives upon request and provide a detailed allergen advice sheet to assist in managing special diets within our nurseries, developed in collaboration with our nutritionist.

By maintaining these rigorous hygiene and safety measures, we aim to provide safe and healthy meals for the children in your care.

 Final Thoughts 

Maintaining high food hygiene standards in nurseries is essential to protect children's health and well-being. By implementing the 4Cs, adhering to regulations, and partnering with reliable catering services, nurseries can ensure the safety and quality of the food they serve.

Our experienced team delivers delicious, nutritious meals prepared to the highest food safety standards. Contact us today for peace of mind in every meal.  

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