The HSE have said that companies face the risk of serious penalties if appropriate measures are not being taken and that they will not hesitate to use enforcement action to bring about improvements.
Inspections are to focus on what the HSE have identified as two main causes of ill-health in this sector - occupational asthma, for example, from exposure to flour dust in bakeries and musculoskeletal disorders.
All those working in the industry have been encouraged to review the HSE's advice and guidance which is published on their website.