ALMOST 30 West Devon butchers and food handlers took time out to complete a free hygiene course recently to keep up to speed with strict new regulations which come into force next month.
The new, tighter rules were introduced in the wake of the fatal E-coli outbreak in Lanarkshire several years ago when 21 died and a further 500 suffered food poisoning.
The free basic hygiene courses were staged by West Devon Borough Council environmental health officers and held at the Ordulph Arms in Tavistock and at the council offices in Okehampton.
Andy Avens, environmental health officer, said: 'We are very pleased that most of the butchers in West Devon attended and took the opportunity to update their staff on such important hygiene issues.'
He said the courses helped build a positive working partnership with local businesses.