Genuine logistical challenge

You’ve likely heard the whispers or seen the headlines about the new restriction zones in Monaghan and Cavan. Perhaps you’ve scrolled past social media posts from concerned chefs, or maybe your own supplier has already been in touch with a cautionary “we’ll do our best, but…”

If you’re a restaurant owner, hotel manager, or catering business preparing for the Christmas rush, that sinking feeling in your stomach is entirely justified. The 2025 turkey situation isn’t just another industry rumour it’s a genuine logistical challenge that could leave you scrambling in the busiest weeks of the year.

But here’s the thing: this isn’t just about sick birds. It’s about movement licenses that take days to process, culling programmes that reduce available stock, and supply chains stretched thinner than filo pastry. And whilst the agriculture sector works through these challenges, you’ve got bookings to honour and customers to feed.

Section 1: The Supplier Audit Your First Line of Defence

If there’s one lesson the past few years have taught hospitality businesses, it’s this: never put all your eggs in one basket. Or in this case, all your turkeys with one supplier.

Don’t Just Take “Yes” for an Answer

Right now not next week, not when you’re already in trouble – pick up the phone to your primary poultry supplier and ask the difficult questions:

• “Do you source from farms in the restriction zones?”
• “Do you have backup farms outside Monaghan and Cavan?”
• “What’s your contingency plan if movement restrictions expand?”
• “Can you guarantee my order, and if not, how much notice will you give me?”

These aren’t confrontational questions; they’re professional ones. Any reputable supplier will appreciate your diligence and should have clear answers.

Your HACCP Plan Needs This Conversation

Here’s where food safety training pays dividends. If you or your team have completed HACCP Level 2 certification, you’ll know that maintaining an Approved Supplier List is a fundamental part of your food safety management system.

HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS – QUICK REFERENCE:

Alternative Festive Centrepieces

Roast Goose
Traditional, luxurious, and often sourced from different supply chains than turkey. Goose has a rich, gamey flavour that many customers actually prefer. Yes, it’s typically more expensive, but you can adjust pricing accordingly and right now, the price gap between goose and panic-bought turkey might be narrower than usual.

Honey Glazed Ham
A classic that never goes out of style. Ham is generally easier to source, has excellent holding qualities, and can be prepared in advance reducing pressure on your kitchen during service. Plus, many customers actively prefer ham over turkey.

Beef Wellington
Position it as a premium upgrade. Wellington is theatrical, impressive, and shows your kitchen’s skill. With turkey supplies uncertain, you might find beef more reliable.

Seasonal Game
Venison, pheasant, or duck offer restaurant-quality alternatives that can elevate your Christmas offering beyond the standard turkey dinner.

The Menu Engineering Strategy

Don’t wait until you’re forced into a corner. Start positioning alternatives now:

• Introduce a “Chef’s Selection” menu featuring multiple protein options
• Create early-bird booking incentives for customers who choose alternative mains
• Use language that makes alternatives sound like upgrades, not substitutions: “Premium Roast Goose” not “Turkey Replacement”
• Test customer response with special event nights in early December

The Critical Safety Consideration: Allergen Management

Here’s where many rushed menu changes fall apart. If you switch proteins at the last minute, your allergen information must be updated immediately.

Consider these common pitfalls:

• Glazed ham: Often contains mustard, honey (potential issue for some), and sulphites in commercial preparations
• Pre-prepared beef Wellington: May contain wheat (pastry), milk (in pâté), and sometimes nuts
• Marinades and rubs: Can introduce allergens not present in plain turkey
• Stuffings and accompaniments: Switching the main might mean changing sides too

Your allergen matrix isn’t a static document. Every menu change – planned or emergency – requires an immediate update. Staff need to be informed, menus need to be corrected, and your systems need to reflect reality.

If your team hasn’t had recent allergen awareness training, now is the time. A single allergen mistake can have devastating consequences, both for the affected customer and your business. The FSAI provides comprehensive guidance on allergen management, and proper training like Allergen Awareness certification ensures every team member understands their responsibilities.

Section 3: The Safety of “Emergency” Suppliers

Let’s talk about the scenario nobody wants but everyone should prepare for: it’s December 20th, your primary supplier has let you down, and you’re making emergency runs to cash and carries or local butchers you don’t normally use.

Panic is the enemy of food safety. Even in a crisis, your legal obligations don’t change, and neither do the bacteria that cause food poisoning.

Traceability is Non-Negotiable

When sourcing from unfamiliar suppliers, look for these markers of quality and traceability:

Bord Bia Quality Marks

The Bord Bia Quality Assurance schemes are recognised standards. Look for their marks on packaging they indicate the product meets specific quality and traceability standards.

Origin Green Certification

Ireland’s Origin Green programme is the only sustainability programme in the world that operates at a national scale. Products bearing this mark come from verified, traceable sources.

Proper Labelling

Even in emergency situations, proper food labelling is required. The packaging should clearly show:

• Product name and description
• Country of origin
• Use-by or best-before dates
• Storage instructions
• Supplier/processor details

Keep Every Scrap of Documentation

Your local Environmental Health Officer doesn’t care that you were desperate. If there’s a food safety incident or complaint, you’ll need to demonstrate due diligence. That means:

• Keeping all invoices and receipts
• Photographing product labels and packaging
• Recording batch numbers and dates
• Documenting temperature checks on delivery

This documentation proves you’ve maintained your food safety standards even under pressure. It’s the difference between demonstrating responsible management and appearing negligent.

Temperature Control is Critical

This is where good HACCP training becomes second nature. When you’re collecting product yourself rather than receiving a refrigerated delivery:

1. Check the temperature at collection: Use your probe thermometer. Fresh poultry should be stored below 4°C. If it’s not, don’t take it.
2. Minimise time in the temperature danger zone: Use cool boxes or insulated bags. In winter, your car is cold, but it’s not refrigerated. Get the product back to your premises quickly.
3. Check and record the temperature on arrival: Document that the cold chain was maintained. This is your evidence of due diligence.
4. Inspect the product carefully: Look for signs of temperature abuse excessive ice crystals on frozen products, discolouration, or off odours.

If you’re collecting large quantities, consider whether you need to make multiple trips to maintain safe temperatures, or hire a refrigerated vehicle for the day.

The “New Supplier” Checklist

Before you buy from an unfamiliar source, verify:

• ✅ They’re a legitimate, registered food business
• ✅ Products have proper labelling and traceability information
• ✅ Storage facilities appear clean and properly maintained
• ✅ Staff demonstrate food safety knowledge
• ✅ Temperature control is appropriate
• ✅ They can provide invoices and documentation

Yes, you’re in a hurry. But five minutes of checking could save you from a food poisoning outbreak that closes your business.

Beyond Poultry Other Christmas Supply Chain Pressures

Whilst turkey is grabbing the headlines, experienced food business operators know that Christmas supply challenges extend far beyond the bird itself. Now is the time to review your entire operation:

Stock Management and Storage

• Are your cold stores and freezers adequate for increased stock?
• Have you maintained your refrigeration equipment properly?
• Do you have adequate dry storage for increased volumes?

Staff Safety Under Pressure

Christmas is when workplace accidents spike. Your team will be:

• Lifting heavier items more frequently (manual handling injuries increase)
• Working in busier, more crowded kitchens (slips, trips, and falls become more likely)
• Dealing with increased stress and fatigue (when mistakes happen)

Ensuring your staff have completed relevant safety training from manual handling to understanding fire safety when kitchens are running at full capacity protects both them and your business.

Chemical Safety

Increased cleaning and sanitation during busy periods means more frequent use of chemicals. Staff trained in the control of chemicals understand how to use these products safely and effectively, even under pressure.

Your Paperwork Must Keep Pace With Reality

Here’s a truth many food business owners learn the hard way: your food safety management system is only as good as its accuracy. If your Approved Supplier List says you only use Supplier A, but you’re actually ordering from Suppliers B, C, and D in a panic, you’re not just disorganised you’re potentially in breach of food safety regulations.

Your documentation should reflect your reality:

Approved Supplier List: Add emergency suppliers now, with all their details and certifications verified. Don’t wait until you’re desperate.

Allergen Matrix: Update this immediately when any menu changes. Every substitution, every new dish, every ingredient change.

Temperature Records: These should be completed diligently even (especially!) when you’re busy and stressed.

Staff Training Records: Ensure all team members, including seasonal staff, have completed appropriate food safety training before they start work.

Supplier Delivery Checks: Maintain records of temperature checks and quality verifications for every delivery, including emergency ones.