CAFRE expert steps up to the ‘hot plate’ to advise bakery industry

A Bakery Technologist from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has offered her expertise to the bakery sector as the Covid-19 crisis continues.

CAFRE Bakery Technologist Zita McNaugher is ready to take your Covid-19 food processing enquiries.

Zita McNaugher has moved to provide the industry with reassurance as demand for baked goods increasingly ramps up.

Zita said: “Bread forms a key aspect in the diet of Northern Ireland citizens and during these unprecedented times, consumers across the country find themselves wanting nutritious and convenient food with bread and bakery products being a firm family favourite.

“The Bakery sector across Northern Ireland is meeting the current demand by streamlining product offerings to improve efficiency and also ensure social distancing can be practiced by their essential staff.  Home bakeries are also being innovative by offering free delivery services to local customers and contactless collections.”

The CAFRE technologist also asked people to continue to heed advice on food provided by experts in the sector.

Zita added: “According to the very latest scientific guidance provided to consumers by the Food Standards Agency, it is very unlikely that you can catch coronavirus from food. Covid-19 is a respiratory illness and it isn’t known to be transmitted by exposure to food or food packaging which is good news for everyone.

“Our large bakeries have recently contributed to Northern Ireland Food & Drink Association guidelines for the implementation of good manufacturing practice within Covid-19 government guidance, identifying practical steps to keep employees and customers safe.”

“If you have any queries in relation to bakery help and support, or general Covid-19 related issues then please do not hesitate to contact me or the CAFRE food processing helpline on 0300 200 7846.”

CAFRE’s wider team of food technologists are on standby to offer Covid-19 manufacturing guidance to all food and drink businesses – large or small and across any sector.

Staff at CAFRE’s Loughry Campus in Cookstown have already fielded questions around social distancing in factory amenity areas, arrangements for visitors to manufacturing sites, and preparation for remote auditing.

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