Leading frozen sector specialists get together at BFFF conference
The British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) will hold its annual Health & Safety and Technical Conferences on Tuesday 13th May 2025, at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire.
The one-day event will bring together technical and health & safety professionals from across the food industry to examine a wide range of regulatory, operational and supply chain issues affecting the frozen food sector. The conferences are open to both BFFF members and non-members.
The two programmes feature expert speakers from across industry, regulatory and academia, providing updates, case studies and practical guidance on a series of key topics.
On the health and safety side, keynote speaker Dr Shaun Lundy of consultancy Tetra will explore health & safety leadership in the modern workplace – including how to engage multi-generational teams and the growing role of AI and technology in driving culture change.
Other highlights include a timely session on lone working and the technologies helping to protect vulnerable employees, and a look at the HSE’s priorities for 2025/26 – including planned preventative maintenance and tackling noise.
This final point is a particularly pressing concern for the food industry, as it is the sector with the second highest rate of noise-related hearing loss in the UK.
Delegates will also gain insights into emerging fire risks, particularly around lithium-ion batteries in materials handling equipment, and see a live demonstration of Diphoterine, a breakthrough treatment for ammonia exposure – a major issue in refrigeration maintenance in which, the BFFF has written assured industry guidance.
The agenda also includes a legal update from DAC Beechcroft and a session on modern slavery from Hestia, this being a major problem that often goes un-noticed in the food sector. In addition, we focus on behavioural safety and workplace culture from risk experts WTW.
Running in parallel, the technical conference offers a packed agenda exploring the most pressing technical issues facing the frozen food industry. Designed to inform and inspire, the sessions combine regulatory insight with real-world case studies, innovation showcases, and expert analysis.
Key topics include managing allergen risks, with guidance from the Food Standards Agency and legal experts from DWF Law, and maintaining the integrity of food safety certification, with insights from the BRCGS Integrity Team.
Alison Johnson of Food Forensics will explore the latest developments in the fight against food fraud, while Tony Baldock, director at Ashford Borough Council, will provide a first-hand account of the UK’s evolving border control processes one year on from the opening of the Sevington Inland Border Facility.
Delegates will also hear from Dr Jeff Banks of Food Safety Assurance on food hygiene, and from experts at Emissis and Hubl, who will present on sustainability and cold chain innovation. Additional sessions will examine packaging compliance with changing legislation and the growing opportunities within the halal market.
Rupert Ashby, chief executive of the BFFF, said: “Our Health, Safety and Technical Conferences are a unique opportunity for professionals across the frozen food sector to come together, share knowledge and tackle the most critical challenges facing our industry.
“We are in a time of rapid technological, regulatory and cultural change, and this conference is a key opportunity for the industry to come together and address how to tackle these challenges.”
“This year’s agendas reflect the breadth and complexity of the issues we face – and the collective expertise needed to address them. I’d encourage anyone involved in health, safety or technical operations to join us for what promises to be an insightful and inspiring day.”
Places at the conferences are still available, and early registration is recommended.
The full agendas for the day and contact details for booking are available here: bfff.co.uk/event/health-safety-and-technical-conference/
