Esther Chartres, Executive Officer, General Food Hygiene and Incidents Unit of Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland (FSANI)
What are the central elements of a typical day in your job?
The good thing about my job is that there is no typical day. My day could range from dealing with queries on food hygiene issues from local enforcement authorities to arranging and attending meetings on various food hygiene initiatives promoted by the Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland (FSANI). Many of the issues I deal with aim to improve and increase awareness on all aspects of food hygiene; including the Eat Safe Award Scheme[1],Scores on the Doors[2]; and Safe Catering.[3] I also deal with general hygiene queries from the public and help in responding to food alerts and incidents which may be attributed to, for example, wrong packaging or accidental contamination of food products. Many of these incidents mean that food has to be withdrawn from shops or product recalls issued via press releases sent to the media.
What skills are needed to be successful in your role?
Good communication skills are important as one of the main aspects of my job is dealing with queries and liaising with enforcement authorities and the catering industry. Good organisational skills are also a key factor for success, as I provide secretariat for working groups on a number of different food hygiene initiatives.
What does your role as part of the Eat Safe team entail?
I have overall responsibility for the day to day running of the Eat Safe Award Scheme. This means managing the website, dealing with e-mail queries, maintaining the database of award winners and processing certificates. I also liaise with our Communications Team to organise press releases for the awards and I help write an Eat Safe Newsletter which is widely distributed to enforcers and caterers. It feels great being part of the dynamic Eat Safe team. My involvement has helped me build up alliances with the 26 district councils in Northern Ireland and has given me a valuable insight into the Environmental Health profession. I also get the opportunity to represent FSANI at Eat Safe presentations and meetings with accredited businesses, and have the chance to congratulate them – which is always rewarding.
Describe the main aims of the Eat Safe Award?
The Eat Safe Award has been in operation in Northern Ireland since June 2003 and was extended to Scotland in January 2005. It is administered by local council environmental health services in conjunction with the Food Standards Agency in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The main aim of the scheme is to provide an incentive to caterers to strive for food hygiene and food safety management standards beyond those required by law. It also helps consumers make informed choices about where to eat out by providing a recognisable ‘sign of excellence’ in standards of food hygiene.
Do Northern Ireland caterers come up to scratch compared to their UK/European counterparts?
The Eat Safe scheme is an FSANI initiative, currently only running in Northern Ireland and Scotland, therefore no direct comparison can be made to the whole of the UK or indeed other Member States. However, there are nearly 400 premises which have gained the award in Northern Ireland which demonstrates the commitment of local food businesses to achieving and maintaining the highest standards of hygiene.
What comes next for Eat Safe?
Eat Safe is proving very successful, although we are always looking out for new ways to promote the award. The development of the ‘Scores on the Doors’ scheme, currently being piloted by some District Councils in Northern Ireland might eventually affect the current Eat Safe scheme.
What is the most challenging aspect of your role?
The not knowing what to expect from day to day. Food incidents are reactive and can result in the Agency co-ordinating investigations by enforcement authorities and issuing food alerts. They regularly take up a substantial amount of time. My work provides great challenges because conflicting priorities can occur and I need to manage my time properly so that all targets and met and issues are dealt with in a timely manner.
What has been your greatest achievement in this role?
It is very worthwhile and rewarding when local establishments meet the required hygiene standards to merit the Eat Safe award and to know that I have played a role in their success. It is rewarding to attend presentation events and see local businesses achieving standards of excellence in hygiene.
Do you practice what you preach?
During my student days, I worked part-time in a local bakery, so demonstrating high standards of hygiene were essential and second nature to me. Also, because a major part of my role is promoting the Eat Safe Award and working in the Food Hygiene and Incidents Unit, I have developed a naturally high awareness of all aspects of hygiene which I use in my own kitchen as well.
How do you work with the Consumer Council in achieving your goals?
A multi-sectoral stakeholder group, known as the Eat Safe Award Implementation Group, advises and assists in the management and ongoing development of the scheme. The group consists of Environmental Health, catering and consumer representatives from both Northern Ireland and Scotland. A representative from the Consumer Council continues to be an active member of the steering group. I also work with the Consumer Council on the National Food Safety Week initiative every year.
How do you relax away from work?
I enjoy reading and listening to a wide range of music, including singing as part of a church group. I enjoy going to concerts and spending time with my family and friends. I’m also a bit of a free spirit and like to travel to different countries when I can.
