Inconsistent decisions see some lunches axed but cake sales allowed. The Dublin University Food and Drink Society were forced to abandon their 16 October Arts Building brunch after being told that the event did not adhere to College Health and Safety Regulations. The confusion regarding the prohibition was compounded when the Dublin University Players successfully held a bake-sale the following day. The Food and Drink Society were left bemused as to why, after hosting the event for several years, they suddenly found themselves on the wrong side of College Catering policy. What has come to light is an apparent inconsistency by college administration with regards to implementing, or even specifying, these regulations. Paul Gallagher, Secretary of the Food and Drink Society, when trying to ascertain the cause of the embargo, claims he was informed by the Junior Dean Emma Stokes that new restrictions had been put in place regarding food-related events. Sanctioned events now not only have to be preapproved by college catering, but also have to be certified by all four of the Dublin Health Boards. Beyond this, those hosting the event have to be qualified to serve the food and that any “home-cooking” is banned. However, Graham Daniels, the Director of the Accommodation and Catering Services was asked what new measures had been put in place regarding the selling and/or provision of food his answer was an unequivocal “none.” Food and Drink Society, as for the past three years, gained clearance from Security to set up the stand and were not informed that they required clearance from either the Junior Dean or College Catering. Security also raised no objections on being told that toast, tea and coffee would be served among other food items. However, Taja Naidoo, Chairperson of the Food and Drink Society was quick to point out they “were very fair with us, after being told that we had to abandon the free brunch they were very understanding in giving us time to make arrangements for the removal of all the free food…“ The society must now either cancel or relocate two other events of this term, one of which has been organized in conjunction with the Chilean Embassy. Despite the Food and Drink Society’s forced abandonment of their brunch, DU Players, after hearing about the incident, immediately sought and gained permission to hold their bake-sale the following day. While the sale had been booked in advance, this permission was granted only a day before the event and allowed for the provision of the allegedly banned homecooking. When questioned about this, Daniels stated “Where food is pre-prepared and offered at ambient temperature with no re-heating or refrigeration required and sold/distributed in a short period of time, I have the authority to approve such a distribution, once I am satisfied that there is no risk of food hygiene regulations contravention, provided the overall event has been booked and approved in the normal manner.” One of the central bones of contention has proved to be the online application form needed for any event on campus to be approved. Food and Drink Society were referred to this form only after their brunch had been cancelled. Among other rules, it states that a list of requirements for external caterers, with caterers required to have a Health Service Executive Food Hygiene Certification, which is to be approved by the College Catering Manager two weeks in advance of any event. The food must be prepared and cooked off site, and no naked flames (oil/candle food warmers) may be used to keep food hot: an electrically powered unit is acceptable. When asked why the DU Players were approved only a day in advance, Graham stated his authority to approve the event and made a marked distinction between a catering function and a bakesale, a difference not accounted for under the term “external caterers.” Though these rules also appear to allow for the provision of home cooked goods and electrical units, it quickly transpires that “electrical unit” is ambivalent shorthand for a hot plate. From this, there is no clear indication that the use of a microwave and a toaster, as electrical units, would have proved a problem. Tom Merriman, College Safety Officer, explains why these appliances were deemed unacceptable “the use of toasters/microwave cookers is likely to trigger the fire detection system resulting in an evacuation of the building.’ While this is a viable health and safety argument, the entire incident highlights the need for better regulation and communication among both the societies and the authorial powers on campus. Graham states that Security has no authorization to approve events and does not know why the annual brunch was not stopped in previous years. Winners So the “Brunch in the Block” didn't happen however inconsistencies in college regulations were highlighted and well, people got some free food and drink in the end didn't they... If your name is below you have won the prize beside your name. If your name isn't below don't worry too much, we will have another little competition in our next e-mail. Congratulations to all who won! Winners will be contacted via e-mail shortly.
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