THE Asian Business Federation has launched an initiative to make sure businesses in the food and drinks industry comply with new legislation.

The ABF, based in Blackburn, has launched Food Smart, a 13-step initiative to make sure firms meet HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) criteria, which came into force on January 1.

By joining the ABF programme, businesses will have access to the wealth of support offered by the UK's largest minority business federation, which currently advises 1,400 businesses.

As part of the programme, businesses will receive free entry to Food Smart seminars to update where they will be kept up-to-date on new legislation, with free Northwest Food Alliance membership.

The launch of the programme was taking place today at Sanam Restaurant on Wilmslow Road, Manchester.

Khalid Saifullah, chief executive of the ABF, said: "We were amazed by our research, which estimates that 9,500 businesses in the North West are not even aware of these new regulations, let alone prepared for them."

For more information on food safety and ABF membership call 0845 607 0786 or visit ww.enter prise4all.co.uk