New ‘next generation’ allergen awareness e-learning course launched

The course - available via CPL's Learning Management System (LMS): The Console and on a mobile app, which can be translated into several languages - is designed to ensure all members of staff can comply with Food Information to Customer regulations (FIC) that were introduced in late 2014.

David Dasher, managing director of CPL Online, said: "In the light of the FIC regulations, allergen awareness is a vital aspect of any hospitality business."

Big data​

He added: "Through our big data platform, we can provide clients with data analysis functions never seen before in hospitality training."

Since FIC came into force, hospitality businesses have been required to provide detailed information on the presence of 14 major allergens, including nuts, shellfish and gluten, in their food.

The allergen awareness course joins CPL's already-existing range of 'next generation' courses, which cover subjects such as food safety, fire safety and health & safety.

Dasher added: "As the next stage in our business development, the 'next generation' series outperforms anything else available in the market."

More work to be done​

Research from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) recently revealed that despite the industry reacting positively to FIC regulations as a whole, more work was yet to be done​ because one in four people with a food allergy had suffered a reaction when eating out in a pub or restaurant since FIC came into force.

Approximately one fifth of those reactions was serious enough to warrant a hospital visit, the FSA reported.

The fact that some consumers were noticing gaps in their servers' knowledge of allergens indicated food businesses needed to be providing better education on allergens for their staff.