Safe Food is Great Food: Why Food Safety Is at the Heart of Everything We Do

October 13, 2025

When you work in high-pressure environments like film and television, there’s no room for error – especially when it comes to what’s on the plate. At Rhubarb Rhubarb Catering, we believe that great food begins with safe food. As experienced chefs serving busy film crews, we understand that it’s not just about flavour; it’s about trust, precision, and professionalism behind the scenes.

Our dedication to Food Safety in TV & Film Catering is second to none. We don’t just follow the rules – we live by them. From rigorousallergen protocols to spotless cleaning routines, our kitchen is as sharp as our knives. And we’re proud to say that we currently hold a 5-star hygiene ratingfrom the Food Standards Agency, a testament to our commitment to delivering both delicious and safely prepared food on every single job.

Food Safety Isn’t an Afterthought – It’s Our Foundation

When you’re feeding dozens (sometimes hundreds) of cast and crew members, the stakes are high. A single lapse in hygiene or temperature control can lead to serious consequences, from allergic reactions to foodborne illness – and that’s simply not acceptable in our kitchen.

That’s why we follow a HACCP-based system (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), the gold standard in safe food practices. This systematic approach allows us to identify and control food safety risks before they become problems, whether we’re in a fully equipped prep kitchen or working from a mobile setup on a windswept location.

What HACCP in Catering Means to Us

For our chefs, HACCP in catering is second nature. It guides how we source, store, prep, cook, and serve every ingredient.

Here’s how we apply HACCP principles every day:

  • Risk Identification – We assess every stage of the food journey to spot potential hazards early.
  • Temperature Control – We use calibrated digital thermometers and temperature logs to keep hot food hot and cold food cold.
  • Safe Storage – From walk-ins to mobile refrigeration units, we practice safe food storage on location with clear separation for raw and cooked products.
  • Traceability – All our ingredients are fully traceable from supplier to plate, so we know where every bite has come from.

We train our team to understand HACCP – not just to tick a box, but to make safe, consistent food second nature.

Allergen Management for Catering: Everyone Eats Safely

In today’s industry, it’s not enough to simply ask “Any allergies?” and hope for the best. We take Allergen Management for catering incredibly seriously. Whether it’s gluten, dairy, nuts, soy, or shellfish, we know exactly what’s in every dish and how to prevent cross-contamination.

Here’s how we keep allergens under control:

  • Clear labelling of every meal we serve
  • Separate utensils, boards, and pans to avoid contamination
  • Strict ingredient tracking for every recipe we produce

When clients trust us to feed their cast and crew – including those with dietary needs – they know we’ve done our homework and then some.

Cleaning and Sanitisation Procedures: The Unsung Hero of Good Catering

Behind every beautifully plated dish is a well-scrubbed surface and a team that respects cleanliness as much as creativity. Our cleaning and sanitisation procedures are robust, frequent, and logged – because when hygiene is neglected, food quality always suffers.

Whether we’re in a studio kitchen or a mobile trailer, our sanitisation routines are non-negotiable:

  • Surface and equipment sanitising between every use
  • Colour-coded cloths and boards to prevent cross-use
  • Food-safe disinfectants and sanitisers used correctly and regularly
  • Daily checklists and logs to ensure nothing is missed

Clean kitchens cook better food – fact.

Safe Food Storage on Location: Keeping Standards High, Even Off-Grid

Filming often takes us to remote or outdoor locations, but that’s never an excuse for cutting corners. We bring our own portable refrigeration, heated hot-hold units, and insulated transport solutions to ensure that safe food storage on location is always maintained.

That means:

  • Chilled and frozen storage on wheels for ingredients that travel
  • Hot holding units that maintain food at 63°C+ until served
  • Cold food kept below 5°C right up to the moment it’s plated
  • Secure storage to prevent pest contamination or spoilage in temporary setups

No matter where we’re feeding your team – from a muddy field in Wales to a rooftop in London – you can be sure that food safety comes with us.

Our 5-Star Hygiene Rating: What It Really Means

A 5-star hygiene rating from the Food Standards Agency isn’t just a badge for us – it’s a daily standard. It represents:

  • Clean, organised kitchens
  • Proper training and food safety knowledge across the team
  • Documented systems that show exactly how we keep food safe
  • A consistent, trackable record of doing things the right way

It’s proof to our clients that we don’t cut corners, no matter how fast-paced or logistically complex the day gets.

Why Productions Trust Rhubarb Rhubarb Catering

As chefs, we don’t just care about how food looks and tastes – we care about where it comes from, how it’s handled, and how it makes people feel. That’s why food safety is at the heart of every service we provide.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Professional chefs trained in HACCP and best practices
  • Exceptional cleaning, hygiene, and sanitisation standards
  • Fully mobile food safety solutions for on-location catering
  • Clear allergen labelling and inclusive dietary options
  • 5-star hygiene rating from the Food Standards Agency

Need TV & film catering that’s as safe as it is satisfying? Let’s chat. We’d love to fuel your next production with food you can trust.

Safety First, Always

At Rhubarb Rhubarb, we believe that safe food is great food – and it’s what every cast and crew member deserves. Whether we’re feeding 20 people or 200, our approach is the same: respect the process, honour the ingredients, and never compromise on standards. Because food made with care doesn’t just taste better – it works better for the whole production.

Looking for TV & Film catering with a flawless food safety record? Contact Rhubarb Rhubarb today – we bring safety, flavour, and experience to every job.

Adam Little Chef

Adam Little

Chef & Owner Adam Little boasts a 17-year career, gaining extensive experience across various catering sectors and shaping his unique style. His dedication to quality food and excellent customer service led him to Location Catering, where he served as Chef Manager on numerous productions. Adam and his team are committed to delivering great food, exceptional service, and a welcoming environment, always on time.