Ensuring food safety in care homes isn’t just best practice – it’s a necessity. Given the heightened vulnerability of residents due to age and health conditions, the risks associated with food contamination or allergens are significantly greater.
At White Oaks, the senior living division of Compass Group UK & Ireland, robust safety measures are embedded into every stage of their food service across all the care settings they operate in – from care and residential homes to senior living sites and hospices.
White Oaks Health & Safety Manager, Jeanette Branwhite explains:
“We work closely with our operational teams and clients to identify the safest and most effective ways to produce delicious meals for residents. These can be complex environments, and we are here to advise and support home teams in meeting all legal requirements.”
Without strict food safety procedures, care homes can become vulnerable to illness outbreaks. Improper storage temperatures or cross-contamination can lead to foodborne infections.
To counter this, all White Oaks food safety systems are designed and agreed with their Primary Authority, Luton Council’s Environmental Health Department, under a legally binding agreement. All their catering staff are trained in HACCP, and they reinforce the importance of food safety in all their care settings through regular audits and inspections by their HSE-trained team and ISOQAR.
Texture-modified meals are an essential yet often overlooked aspect of food safety in care homes. To minimise the risk of choking and promote safe eating, White Oaks offers a range of meals that ensure comfort, safety, and nutrition.
Allergy awareness is a cornerstone of food safety, especially as residents may be on medications which can mask allergic symptoms or increase their severity. White Oaks holds Food Profile Meetings involving the resident, a family member, or a care team representative to communicate their individual dietary needs and preferences with the dietitian and on-site chef manager. This ensures meals are safe and supportive of overall wellbeing.
“Thanks to our proactive approach, we’ve maintained 5-star food hygiene ratings across our White Oaks’ business,” explains Braithwaite. “And, for the past five years, have exceeded Gold Medal status in the ROSPA Safety Awards, achieving Highly Commended in 2025.”
The White Oaks commitment to protocols, training, and attention to detail means every resident receives meals prepared with precision and care. From maintaining audit-ready kitchens to adapting meal textures, they are proud to lead the way in creating safer, healthier dining experiences for all.
