Small businesses in Coventry that are struggling to keep up with food regulations are being offered free advice on how to stay on the right side of the law.

Coventry City Council has appointed experienced caterer Matt Piggott as a Food Safety adviser to help firms in the city.

He said:

“The council recognises that many proprietors of small business, and those thinking of starting new businesses, find it difficult to get to grips with some food laws and in developing systems to ensure food is safe.

“My job is to work with proprietors so we can get it right first time.

“My service is free and I can make appointments to suit busy proprietors. I hope can make sure that everyone buying food in Coventry has confidence that it will not only be good to eat but that it will be of the highest standard.”

One restaurant owner to have taken advantage of the service is Michael list of MJ’s Fish restaurant at the Co-op in Corporation Street.

He opened there after his former fish shop, Fishy Moore’s, was bought by the council as part of the Phoenix Initiative.

Mr List said:

“I am grateful for the time Matt has spent helping me develop systems for safe food and making sure everything is right from the word go. I hope other proprietors will take advantage of this fee service.”

A seminar is being prepared for fish fryers in the city with the Midland Seafish Industry Training Association. It will be held in early December.

More information on this and for other food safety advice from Mr Piggott on 024 7683 1879.