Alec Kyriakides

Alec Kyriakides brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the Safe to Trade initiative. As an experienced food safety consultant and the Chair of the BRCGS International Advisory Boards, Alec has a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by the food industry. His role as a Non-Executive Director at Campden BRI and as a Trustee of the IFST further underscores his commitment to food safety and quality standards.

Alec’s passion for Safe to Trade stems from his comprehensive background in food safety, which includes his tenure as the former Head of Quality and Safety at Sainsbury’s. He is driven by the vision of creating a standardised approach to food hygiene and safety audits that can be adopted globally. Alec believes that consistency in audit standards is crucial to reducing the likelihood of inconsistencies and ensuring clarity of scope, which is often a challenge when auditors rely on their professional judgment to interpret risk-based legislation.

In his role within the Safe to Trade initiative, Alec aims to contribute to the governance of technical standards by leveraging his extensive experience and leadership skills. He envisions a robust framework that not only aligns with the best practices of the law in the catering sector but also adapts to the evolving needs of the industry. Alec’s goal is to ensure that the Safe to Trade standard becomes a benchmark for food safety audits worldwide, providing a reliable and transparent system for both consumers and food business operators.

The benefits of the Safe to Trade scheme are manifold. For consumers, it offers the confidence to make informed decisions about where to eat, knowing that the establishments they choose adhere to rigorous food safety standards. For food business operators, Safe to Trade provides a demonstrable way to show legal compliance, build a strong due diligence defence, reduce insurance costs, and minimise the likelihood of food safety contraventions. Alec is particularly passionate about the scheme’s potential to positively influence and support national government policies, enabling local authorities to allocate their resources more effectively and improve food safety standards across the board.

Internationally, Alec sees Safe to Trade as a transformative program that can elevate food safety standards and reduce foodborne diseases globally. By recruiting new Certification Bodies that operate worldwide, the scheme can extend its reach and impact, contributing to better health outcomes and enhanced consumer confidence on a global scale.

In summary, Alec Kyriakides is not only committed to the success of Safe to Trade but also to its continual improvement and global adoption. His vision, expertise, and dedication make him a pivotal figure in the governance of the technical standards, ensuring that the scheme achieves its full potential and sets new benchmarks in food safety.