CESA and WRAS agree on the way forward over combi ovens and steamers approval issue

Manufacturers agree to focus on reducing appliances’ water consumption

Following the meeting between WRAS and CESA on April 14, regarding approval of combi steamers, it has been agreed that there will be no change to the criteria governing submissions until further notice.

The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) had planned to change the WRAS Product Approval Scheme acceptance criteria for steamers and combi ovens that incorporate a facility using fresh water to cool the appliance’s wastewater from 1 April 2015. This related to undue consumption of water under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Byelaws.

The meeting was led by the CESA patron, Lord Trefgarne, with Keith Warren, director, and Bryan Whittaker, technical advisor of CESA, plus a representative group of three CESA manufacturers and an industry customer. WRAS was represented by chair Stephen Kay, managing director Julie Spinks and Paul Millard, technical manager.

The crux of the matter is the need to reduce the use of fresh water to cool wastewater. CESA members were able to demonstrate that the timing of the change had not taken into account the significant impact on manufacturers or allowed time for them to prepare for the change and suggest reasonable practical alternatives. In response WRAS agreed to postpone the introduction of the acceptance criteria and actively work in partnership with CESA to find a solution.

CESA agreed to investigate the volume of water used by combi ovens and steamers, especially compared to other cooking methods for similar volumes of food. Meanwhile the manufacturers will be devoting resources to the development of technologies that will further reduce the water consumption of their equipment.

WRAS will work with manufactures and water companies in line with the need to reduce water consumption, but recognised the significant timescales that manufacturers need for research and development to bring new products to market.

“This was an excellent meeting and the outcome is everything we had hoped for,” says Keith Warren. “In accepting our submissions, WRAS made it clear that in future they will work more closely with CESA on this issue. Manufacturers are already committed to minimising energy and water consumption of the affected appliances – they will now focus resources on finding a solution to this aspect of the technology.”

“I was delighted with the outcome of the meeting,” said Julie Spinks. “I believe that WRAS and CESA can work together to find a better solution and that manufactures can play their part in reducing the use of water in their products for the benefit of their customers.”

The Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA) is the authoritative voice of the catering equipment industry, representing over 170 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes. For more information on CESA visit www.cesa.org.uk

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CESA and WRAS reach agreement on combi ovens and steamers.docx – Apr-15

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