SUMMER 2022 FOOD SHORTAGES/ PAVEMENT LICENCES Overcoming food-supply issues may mean seeking alternative sources or ingredients CHANGING WITH THE TIMES The ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe is affecting food supplies from Ukraine and Russia. So, food business owners should ensure they have alternative suppliers in place to provide key ingredients such as grain and sunflower oil. In these challenging times, you might also consider using alternative raw ingredients for products, to ensure you can continue with production. If you do this, any changes made must be reflected in your food description and ingredients list. This is particularly important if the substitute relates to an allergenic ingredient. If your product is intended for the catering trade, it would also be good practice to inform your customers of any allergenic substitutions that may affect the ultimate consumer. Grain harvested in October would typically be sown in Ukraine in spring, so your forward business planning will need to factor this into any orders planned for the autumn. Advice can be sought from the Foods Standards Agency, or contact your local Trading Standards or Environmental Heath teams for further information on how to manage any changes safely. Credit: Sarah Noonan, Trading Standards officer Image: iStock / Serp77 Street food Summer is here, and maximising space is a great way for many businesses to increase revenue as they look to welcome more customers through the door. Temporary pavement licences, costing no more than 100 and lasting up to one year, allow businesses that serve food and drink to place tables and chairs on the street outside their premises. Licences would normally take at least 28 days to be processed by your local council, including a consultation period, but the Business and Planning Act 2020 makes it easier for cafs, bars, restaurants and pubs in England to seat and serve customers outdoors. Its aim is to promote economic recovery and growth following the impacts of COVID-19. Under the act, the new licence takes just five working days to be processed, with an additional five working days if any objections need addressing. Businesses operating a pavement caf should be mindful of local residents and neighbours; noise should be managed, and the use of speakers and amplified music discouraged. If such areas are being used during the evening, a manager should walk around the perimeter regularly and gauge if noise is impacting negatively on local residents. Credit: John Harvey, Environmental Health officer Image: iStock / Jeffrey Glas For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service