Role of the Association of Catering Excellence

The role of the Association of Catering Excellence (ACE)

Maintaining high standards of excellence is paramount in the competitive and demanding world of catering. The Association of Catering Excellence (ACE) plays a crucial role in providing support, guidance, and recognition to caterers striving for exceptional quality. In this blog, Dr Richard Dune explores the importance of ACE, key facts and statistics about the catering industry, essential definitions, and best practices for complying with relevant legislation and regulations.

Key facts and statistics

The UK catering industry is valued at over £1 billion and employs approximately 1.7 million people.
According to the Food Standards Agency, around 2.4 million cases of foodborne illnesses are reported annually in the UK.
ACE has over 400 members, including some of the largest catering companies in the country.
ACE's initiatives have led to a 15% improvement in food hygiene ratings among its member organisations.

Key definitions

Catering excellence - Consistently providing high-quality food and services that meet or exceed customer expectations while adhering to safety and hygiene standards.
Food safety - The handling, preparation, and storage of food in ways that prevent foodborne illness. This includes a variety of practices that must be followed to avoid potential health hazards.
Compliance - Adhering to laws, regulations, guidelines, and specifications relevant to the catering industry. Non-compliance can result in legal penalties, including fines and sanctions.

Recommended best practices for implementation of relevant legislation and regulations

Caterers must be familiar with the key legislation governing food safety and hygiene. These include:

Food Safety Act 1990 - This act provides the framework for all food safety regulations in the UK.
Food Hygiene Regulations 2006 - These regulations outline the responsibilities of food business operators to ensure that food is prepared hygienically.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 - Require employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and others affected by their operations.

Implementing best practices

Regular training

Regular training ensures all staff members are up-to-date with the latest food safety and hygiene practices. Training should cover:

Proper handwashing techniques
Safe food handling and storage procedures
Cleaning and sanitising protocols
Allergen management

Conducting risk assessments

Regular risk assessments help identify potential hazards in the catering environment. These assessments should:

Evaluate the likelihood and severity of risks
Implement control measures to mitigate identified risks
Regularly review and update risk assessments

Maintaining accurate records

Keeping detailed records is essential for demonstrating compliance with food safety regulations. Records should include:

Temperature logs for refrigerators and freezers
Cleaning schedules
Staff training logs
Incident reports

The role of ACE in promoting excellence

ACE is instrumental in setting high standards for the catering industry. The organisation provides a platform for caterers to share best practices, access valuable resources, and gain recognition for their efforts. Critical initiatives by ACE include:

Awards and recognition - ACE hosts annual awards that celebrate outstanding achievements in the catering industry and motivate caterers to strive for excellence.
Networking opportunities - ACE facilitates networking events where members can exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and collaborate on solutions.
Professional development - ACE offers various training programmes and workshops to enhance the skills and knowledge of catering professionals.

The importance of compliance in catering

Compliance with food safety regulations is non-negotiable in the catering industry. Non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including foodborne illnesses, legal action, and reputational damage. ACE helps its members stay compliant by providing the following:

Guidance on legislation - ACE offers detailed guidance on complying with the latest food safety regulations.
Audits and inspections - Regular audits and inspections help ensure that members maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene.
Resources and tools - ACE provides access to a wide range of resources and tools, including templates for risk assessments, training materials, and checklists.

Recommendations

To achieve and maintain catering excellence, it is recommended that caterers:

Engage with ACE - Join ACE to benefit from its extensive network, resources, and support.
Invest in training - Regularly train staff on the latest food safety practices and regulations.
Utilise technology - Implement compliance management software like ComplyPlus™ to streamline record-keeping, risk assessments, and training.
Regularly review practices - Continuously review and update food safety practices to ensure they meet current standards.

Conclusion

The Association of Catering Excellence plays a vital role in elevating standards within the catering industry. By promoting best practices, offering professional development opportunities, and supporting compliance efforts, ACE helps caterers deliver high-quality, safe food services. Engaging with ACE and utilising tools like ComplyPlus™ can significantly enhance a catering business's ability to meet and exceed regulatory requirements, ensuring customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

Click here for more information on staying compliant and explore ComplyPlus™ legislation, regulatory compliance management software, and training.

About the author

Dr Richard Dune

With over 20 years of experience, Richard blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.