Pictured at the launch were chef Ellen Kenny (4yrs), baker Angelina Ryder (4 yrs) and butcher Jack Porter (4yrs).

Free small food business startup seminar for athlone

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is holding a free ‘Small Food Business Start-Up’ seminar in Athlone to assist those working in small food businesses and those thinking of setting up a food business.
The free, half day event brings together a range of experts to explore the requirements needed for businesses to get off the ground and to comply with all the relevant food safety legislation.
The event takes place from 8am to 1pm on Tuesday, April 21, at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Roscommon Road, Athlone. Booking is advised and further information is available at www.fsai.ie/events.
Experts on the day will include representatives from the FSAI, the Health Service Executive and Teagasc. They will provide assistance and advice on everything from running a small food business, registering a new food business, food product development, food safety training requirements, setting up a food safety management system, labelling regulations, traceability, the food recall process, inspections and the information resources available from the FSAI.
Case studies on how to run a small food business and develop a new food product will be presented by two local companies: Karen Gordon of Roscommon Chocolate Company and Richard Siberry of Black Donkey Brewing.
There will also be a number of Q&A sessions throughout the morning and experts will be available after the event for further discussion. The Health and Safety Authority will be present to answer queries in relation to the health and safety requirements in a food business. Microfinance Ireland and the Westmeath and Roscommon Local Enterprise Offices will also be present to offer advice and guidance. All About Jobs will be there to discuss the Government’s work in job creation and tackling unemployment.