Hosted by:  Kelvin Wood, Certification Body Manager for Safe to Trade at Shield Safety Group

Joined by:  Sterling Crew, Strategic Advisor to Shield Safety, President of the Institute of Food Science and Technology, and Chair of the Food Authenticity Network and Liz Draper, Consumer and Head of Risk, sharing lived experiences of dining out while vulnerable

Overview

This webinar explores how Safe to Trade supports vulnerable groups, such as pregnant individuals, immunocompromised people, and the elderly, by providing confidence and safety when dining out.

Eat Out Safely: Confidence for Vulnerable Diners

The session highlights the challenges vulnerable consumers face when eating out and how Safe to Trade offers reassurance through verified standards, hygiene ratings, and transparent practices.

Key Insights from the Webinar
Viewers will gain valuable knowledge on:

• Vulnerability & Information Gaps: How vulnerable diners often lack access to detailed food safety information, making informed choices difficult.
•  Real-World Challenges: Discussing real-life examples of poor restaurant responses.
• Hygiene Ratings Matter: Consumers increasingly rely on food hygiene ratings to assess safety, especially when vulnerable or dining with children.
• Safe to Trade Adds Assurance: The scheme builds on hygiene ratings by requiring verified standards, regular audits, and consumer feedback mechanisms.
• Expert Governance: Safe to Trade is backed by a technical and governance board, ensuring its standards remain current and effective.

Expert Perspective

Sterling Crew emphasised that while the UK has one of the safest food systems globally, vulnerable groups need extra protection. Safe to Trade fills gaps left by traditional hygiene schemes, especially around allergen management and consumer-facing safety indicators

Who Should Watch
This webinar is essential for:

• Pregnant Individuals: Learn how Safe to Trade helps ensure safe dining choices.
• Immunocompromised Consumers: Discover how verified standards reduce risk.
• Elderly Diners: Gain confidence in food safety through trusted schemes.
• Hospitality Professionals: Understand how to better serve vulnerable guests
• Regulators & Environmental Health Officers: See how Safe to Trade complements public inspections.

Viewers will gain 

Watch the Full Webinar

Watch the full webinar to hear firsthand experiences and expert insights on how Safe to Trade empowers vulnerable consumers, watch the full webinar now. It’s an essential guide for safer dining.