If your company has set up an email address for confidential reporting, you can use this web form to send messages to that email address. Alternatively, you could use the form to send an anonymous message to your manager or supervisor.

When you submit a message, the automated email is sent immediately. There is no time-delay.

You should not enter your own name or email address in the form. This means that no information is collected that could be used to identify you as the sender, and it also means that we cannot provide confirmation that the message has been received by the person you are making the report to.

Protecting Your Identity

Food Industry Hub’s confidential reporting system enables you to confidently send messages while protecting your anonymity.

You may choose to send an e-mail to your manager, supervisor, HR department, or your company’s confidential reporting inbox.

You shouldn’t to use your e-mail to send confidential messages because it may be possible to identify you from your e-mail address.

Food Industry Hub’s confidential reporting system acts as an intermediary between you and the person you want to send a message to.

When you send a message using Food Industry Hub’s confidential reporting system, the message will be sent by e-mail from [email protected]. This eliminates any possibility of your being identified by the sending e-mail address.

Your Choice

Food Industry Hub has made available this confidential reporting system as a facility to enable messages to be sent in confidence.

If you prefer, you can choose to use an alternative confidential reporting service. As an extension to our confidential reporting solution, Food Industry Hub sign-posts to the following:

The Food Standards Agency offers the facility for reporting a food crime, either by completing a web form or by calling a confidential hotline.
The Food Standards Agency detail protections under the Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) Order 2014, and identify itself as a prescribed person for public interest disclosures.

The Global Harmonization Initiative offers multi-lingual whistleblowing facilities, which you can access here.

You are free to use whatever confidential reporting system you choose, based on your individual needs and circumstances.

Confidential Reporting and Whistleblowing

There are a wide range of occasions where it may be a good idea to make use of the confidential reporting system.

As ‘confidential reporting’ is often associated with whistleblowing, there can be a misconception that confidential reporting systems are just methods of reporting wrong-doing anonymously. In reality, confidential reporting can include making suggestions, providing feedback, and a range of other use cases.

Whistleblower Protection: A confidential reporting system provides a safe and anonymous channel for employees to report misconduct or unethical behaviour within the organisation, such as food safety violations, fraud, or harassment. Whistleblower protection is crucial to encourage employees to come forward without fear of retaliation.

Food Safety Concerns: The food manufacturing industry must maintain the highest standards of food safety. A confidential reporting system can allow employees to report potential hazards, contamination risks, or violations of safety protocols without fear of repercussions. This helps in preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring product quality.

Compliance Violations: Food manufacturing companies are subject to numerous regulations and standards, such as those imposed by the FDA or other government agencies. A confidential reporting system can be used to report violations of these regulations, such as improper labelling, adulteration of food products, or inadequate record-keeping.

Quality Control Issues: Maintaining product quality is paramount in the food industry. Employees may use the confidential reporting system to report concerns related to product quality, including defects, contamination, or deviations from quality standards.

Ethical Concerns: Issues related to ethics, such as conflicts of interest, bribery, or unethical business practices, can undermine the integrity of a food manufacturing company. Confidential reporting allows employees to raise ethical concerns discreetly.

Safety Incidents: In a manufacturing environment, accidents and safety incidents can occur. A confidential reporting system enables employees to report safety concerns, near-misses, or incidents that may compromise the safety of workers or the public.

Environmental Compliance: Food manufacturers often have to adhere to environmental regulations. Employees can use the reporting system to alert management to potential environmental violations, such as improper waste disposal or emissions.

Supply Chain Risks: Issues in the supply chain, such as the sourcing of substandard ingredients or unethical practices by suppliers, can impact the quality and safety of food products. Confidential reporting can help identify and address these risks.

Employee Well-being: Employees’ well-being and concerns about workplace conditions, including issues like discrimination, harassment, or unsafe working conditions, can be reported through the system. This helps create a healthier work environment.

Continuous Improvement: A confidential reporting system can also serve as a tool for continuous improvement. Employees on the front lines often have valuable insights and suggestions for process improvements that can enhance productivity and safety.

A confidential reporting system in the food manufacturing industry serves as a critical tool for maintaining food safety, regulatory compliance, ethical standards, and employee well-being. It helps organisations identify and address issues promptly, ultimately contributing to the integrity and reputation of the company while ensuring the safety and satisfaction of consumers.