Bitesize training: TACCP and VACCP for food businesses

Miranda Steward CEnvH MSc, Director, Abacus Management and Training Consultancy

Miranda is the Director of Abacus Management and Training Consultancy which was set up in 2007, providing food safety and health and safety consultancy to both the public and private Sectors. Miranda is a Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner having qualified in 1979. 

She has managed a range of public facing front line services with over 25 years senior local government experience, having been a joint Chief Executive and Returning Officer in a

District Council and an Assistant Director of Environmental Services in a London Borough.

As a direct result of her professional expertise Miranda has been an advisor to the Food Standards Agency, The Home Office, Local Government Association, The Public Health Laboratory Service and chaired the London Food Co-ordination Group.

Miranda has worked as a regulator for many years, specialising in food safety and food standards. She managed a high performing commercial department within a London Borough and dealt with a range of prosecutions and emergency prohibitions.

Claire Tomaso CEnvH MCIEH, Environmental Health Officer

Claire has been qualified as an Environmental Health Officer since 1993 and since qualification has worked within Local Authority as a food safety specialist. Claire is the Lead Officer for food safety and manages the food safety team in a London Borough. She is responsible for overseeing the inspection programme, and the operation of the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), including appeals and revisits.

Claire inspects a variety of food businesses including small retailers, caterers and importers, with a particular focus on those in the manufacturing sector. She is responsible for overseeing the approval process for newly approved premises as well as the inspection of those maintaining approval status. Claire carries out a range of sampling as part of the inspection process for the manufacturers – for both microbiological examination and chemical analysis, depending on the product and processes involved.

Claire has dealt with a range of food safety prosecutions for retail, catering and manufacturing premises. She has been responsible for serving Hygiene Improvement and Hygiene Emergency Prohibitions Notices and voluntary undertakings, as well as a variety of enforcement action in relation to approved premises including Remedial Action Notices and Suspension of Approvals.