The accreditation means that the new EU legislation that came into effect in December is fully complied with across all of Artizian’s business, giving customers with allergies the confidence that Artizian can cater to their requirements.
Allergen Accreditation CEO Julian Edwards, said: “Essentially Artizian scored 100% from 45 key interrogation areas for the Allergen Accreditation application form that was backed up with supporting evidence. This was a real challenge that required skill and determination on their part. It meant new policies, procedures and a new way of handling foods and beverages to remain within the new EU FIC law.”
Industry guidelines advise that at least one front of house and one back of house Allergen Advisor be present during any one shift. Judges were impressed by Artizian’s on-site staff, who were all able to act as Allergen Advisors.
Ceri Jones, services manager, Telegraph Media Group - an Artizian client, said: “Artizian, as always, are ahead of the pack, and completely took over the handling of this for us. Any worries were allayed, as the whole catering team were fully trained, and all labelling in place, months in advance of the December 13th 2014 deadline. We couldn't have done it without them.”
Artizian’s manager for nutrition and wellbeing, Catherine Attfield said: “This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that customers with allergies and intolerances can eat with confidence in all of our restaurants. We’re thrilled to be leading the sector with the first award.”
Artizian’s managing director Alison Frith said: “When you suffer severely, as I do, from a food intolerance, poor knowledge and lack of information can too easily transform a great experience into a complete disappointment. Artizian has, and always will be focused on labelling allergens used within our food thus helping our customers make safer food choices, each and every day.”
Alison Frith founded Artizian in 1997 and the caterers now work for a number of established corporations and professional firms throughout the UK.