What are the main compliance challenges for restaurants and cafés?

Allergen disclosure is the top concern for 68% of consumers and restaurants - cross-contamination, improper storage and inconsistent cleaning lead to failures. Staff shortages mean new employees may lack training, and 67% of operators report retention challenges. Updated FSA Codes of Practice allow risk-based inspections and remote assessments - waste legislation requires better segregation and reporting. Diners want transparency about allergens, sustainability and hygiene - a single food safety incident can go viral on social media.

Compliance for restaurants and cafés

Dining establishments live and die by their food safety and customer experience. Surveys show that around half of restaurant site failures relate to product contamination, allergens and storage, while staffing shortages and retention issues complicate training.

With regulatory requirements continually evolving and consumer scrutiny increasing, restaurants and cafés need robust, modern compliance practices that keep pace with changes in areas such as food safety, allergen management, and sustainability.

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Myles Woodwards

Baxter Storey, Operations Manager

"The auditor was engaging and energetic and my teams got huge value from her audits, well beyond just checking off the audit criteria.

They have been left more aware of best practice for their locations and are now energised about raising their safety standards even further!"

Helen Davies

Searcys and WSH Restaurants,
‍Head of Safety

"Very impressed with your approach, the team really enjoyed your audits and feel very supported by you - in particular, the 'show me/tell me' approach that you use during audits to engage with the teams on site."

FROM START TO FINISH

Sector challenges

Allergen disclosure is the top concern for 68% of consumers and restaurants - cross‑contamination, improper storage and inconsistent cleaning lead to failures

Staff shortages mean new employees may lack training, and 67% of operators report retention challenges

Improving waste segregation and sustainability practices in response to environmental expectations and emerging guidance, without adding unnecessary operational burden

Diners want transparency about allergens, sustainability and hygiene - a single food safety incident can go viral on social media

Discuss your restaurant compliance plan

FULLY DOCUMENTED, FULLY TRANSPARENT

How we help restaurants and cafés

We support restaurants and cafés with practical, proportionate compliance solutions built around real-world food service operations. Our work includes food safety audits that reflect EHO inspections, tailored Food Safety Management Systems, and clear SOPs that support consistent day-to-day practice.

We also help businesses manage allergen controls, address common health and safety risks, and improve waste and sustainability practices. Concise training and simple tools support teams with high staff turnover and help ensure essential daily checks are completed and tracked across sites.

These are just some examples of how we support restaurants and cafés at different stages of their compliance journey.

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Neil Fuller

Caterlink, Managing Director

"The team found it enlightening and I'm sure it will be beneficial to remind them of the importance of our number one KPI - Health & Safety."

demonstrate due diligence

Benefits

Our clients report higher FHRS ratings, fewer allergen incidents and stronger customer reviews.

Staff feel more confident, turnover decreases and management gains clear oversight of compliance across all locations.

Discuss your restaurant compliance plan

Compliance for restaurants and cafés

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Sector challenges

How we help restaurants and cafés

Benefits

Make inspections predictable

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