Mick Walsh of Donisthorpe Hall, a residential home in north Leeds, won the hygiene Award at the NACC Care Cook of the Year competition held in Birmingham yesterday, at the Birmingham College of Food, Tourism, and Creative Studies. The Hygiene Award, sponsored by Highfield Publications, was open to all the competitors in the NACC Care Cook of the Year Final. In what is thought to be the only competition of it’s kind, the Hygiene Award, ensures the Food Standards Agency’s ethos of good hygiene practices are adhered to throughout the final.

Mick had to achieve the highest marks from the criteria detailed below. Prior to the day of
competition, Mick had to undertake a hazard analysis of his menu. he identified the potential hazards, and how they had be controlled and monitored at points critical to food safety.

Kirsty Trasler of Highfield Publications, and lead hygiene judge, commented on his performance “ Mick’s practices were first class and she was a great advert not just for the Care Industry but the whole of the catering industry, by demonstrating good practices whilst under pressure.”

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Presentation : The  photo shows  Kirsty Trasler from Highfield publications presenting Mick with his Hygiene Award trophy.

On the day of the competition, the judges will awarded marks based on the
following:

1.. Adherence to his HACCP plan                             25 marks
2.. Avoiding cross-contamination                              15 marks
3.. Effective temperature control                               15 marks
4.. Good Hygiene Practices                                     15 marks
5.. High Standards of personal hygiene                     15 marks
6.. High Standards of cleanliness                             10 marks

Note to News desks :

The NACC is the professional organisation for caterers working in the care sector. This sector covers care homes, early year’s centre's, day centre's, resource centre's, and community meals services.

The NACC membership includes professionals from local authorities and private sector providers.

The NACC was formed in 1987.

The Care Cook of the Year Hygiene Award competition was inaugurated in 2002.

Past Hygiene Award winners-
2002                        Natalie Whiteman                Swansea City Council
2003                        Micheal Coleman                 Leeds City Council
2004                        Judy Reynolds                     West Sussex County Council

Web links :               www.thenacc.co.uk
                                www.highfield.co.uk
                                www.foodsafetytrainers.co.uk

For further information please contact Derek Johnson on 0113 39 51586, or derek.johnson@leeds.gov.uk

To contact Donisthorpe Hall and Mick direct
please contact Sue Ullman on 0113 2684248