To ask the Minister of Health to detail the advice given to community and voluntary organisations regarding the preparation and distribution of food.

Food prepared and distributed by community and voluntary organisations must comply with food law and be safe to eat.

The Food Standards Agency has published food safety information and guidance for ‘community cooking and food banks’ and, ‘community and charity events’ on their website. The respective webpages can be accessed here:

https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/food-safety-for-community-cooking-and-food-banks

http://food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/providing-food-at-community-and-charity-events

The topics covered include:

registration requirements

labelling of use-by dates, allergen information, storage and preparation instructions

safe food storage, preparation, cooking and handling and

food grade packaging.

District Council Environmental Health Services can also provide support and advice to such organisations which are based within their respective areas.