Food industry ‘stepping up to the plate’

Michael Bell has been appointed an independent trustee of AgriSearch, the Northern Ireland Agricultural Research and Development Council. A QUB food science graduate Michael has over 25 years experience in the food industry and is currently executive director of the NI Food and Drinks Association.

NIFDA has published guidance for food manufacturers, building on advice from Public Health England and practical experience from local food companies.

The guidance identifies practical ways in which the industry can implement social distancing and other measures as far as is reasonably possible.

Michael Bell, Executive Director, Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) said: “Like other key workers in our health service, or delivery services, our workers in the food and drink industry are doing essential work – they are ‘food heroes’, feeding the nation in what are extraordinary and unprecedented times. As their employers, the food industry is ensuring they are doing so in a safe environment.

“In a very short period of time, the food industry has transformed its factories, re-engineering and re-organising processes from top to bottom, in line with new guidance. NIFDA has been instrumental in developing these food manufacturing guidelines for industry, along with Government bodies like the Food Standards Agency and Public Health England.

“Across all industries, it has been challenging to face this level of rapid change, but we are stepping up to the plate. Food is an essential industry and we have to keep going in these uncertain times – ensuring our health service and society as a whole has access to safe, nutritious food.”

Food industry ‘stepping up to the plate’ - NIFDA