'It verifies the standards we already work to': Luxury hotel group becomes one of a select few in Northern Ireland to receive best practice food safety accreditation
While all six Hastings Hotels properties already meet standard food safety accreditation requirements, Safe to Trade approval represents an additional level of assurance
Hastings Hotels has achieved ‘Safe to Trade’ approval, an accreditation recognising best practice in food safety.
The leading luxury hotel group is among a limited number of establishments in Northern Ireland to have been awarded the accreditation, underlining its continued commitment to maintaining high food safety standards across its operations.
While all six Hastings Hotels properties already meet standard food safety accreditation requirements, Safe to Trade approval represents an additional level of assurance. It involves annual independent audits and assessments that extend beyond food hygiene to include allergen management, ingredient information and front-of-house cleanliness.
Safe to Trade is a voluntary industry-wide standard that goes beyond legal requirements, complementing existing food hygiene schemes. Trusted by regulators, it is designed to support both consumer confidence and long-term operational excellence.
Raymond Duncan, compliance, operations & procurement manager of Hastings Hotels said: “We’re proud to have achieved Safe to Trade accreditation across our six properties. As a voluntary, third-party assurance programme, it provides a robust and transparent framework that independently verifies the standards we already work to.
“It goes beyond the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme by focusing on areas that matter most to our customers, including allergen safety, clear and accurate menu information, clean environments and real-time accountability. Ultimately, it supports higher standards across the industry and gives customers greater confidence when making dining choices.”
The Hastings Hotels collection has seven luxurious hotels across Northern Ireland, including the five star Culloden Estate and Spa, the world famous Europa Hotel, the Stormont Hotel, Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Everglades Hotel and the historic Ballygally Castle.