Allergen Accreditation Achieved

The University of Wolverhampton has achieved Allergen Accreditation status, the first of only five Universities to have met the regulations to date.

Food Safety Legislation changed in 2014 requiring food outlets to identify 14 different allergens in food.

This is particularly important when considering that approximately 1 in 100 people suffer with coeliac disease with many young people having one or more food allergies.

Some allergies continue into adult life and can be life-threatening, and so the new accreditation rating is designed to ensure any organisations offering catering are able to meet the needs of their customers who suffer from allergies.

City Campus Catering Manager David Robinson, who has worked for the University of Wolverhampton for 25 years, has been the leading light in the department to not only ensure compliance with the legislation, but go one step further and achieve the Allergen Accreditation status, which was confirmed on April 30th.

Amanda Shipley, Commercial Services Manager, said: “We are extremely proud of this award, which clearly demonstrates to our students, prospective students and their parents, staff and visitors our commitment to their health and wellbeing.

“This is particularly important for parents’ peace of mind when students are probably leaving home for the first time with potentially life-threatening allergies.

“Achievement of this accreditation is an accolade of the hard work and commitment from David.

“To achieve the award, it has required changes in procedures, working with suppliers, training and educating staff, preparing for the audit and inspection.

“It is a real credit to the team, and is truly is above and beyond the busy day-to-day job.”