AFME · COOKIES & WEBSITE PREFERENCES
Cookie Policy
Last updated: 13 October 2026
This Cookie Policy applies to the Association of Food Manufacturing Engineers (AFME) website at afmeng.co.uk.
This policy explains how AFME uses cookies and similar technologies on afmeng.co.uk and how you can control your preferences.
1. What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They can be used to provide essential website functions, remember preferences, maintain secure sign-in sessions, measure website use and support other website services.
2. How AFME uses cookies
AFME groups cookies and similar technologies into the following categories:
Strictly necessary
These are required for the website to operate securely and correctly. They may support functions such as member authentication, security, session handling and remembering your cookie preferences. These cannot be switched off through the AFME preference centre because the website may not function correctly without them.
Analytics
AFME uses Google Analytics 4, provided by Google, to understand how visitors use the website: for example which public pages are visited, how people find the site and how it performs. It also records a small number of anonymous actions, such as when a membership application is submitted, a resource is downloaded or a supplier’s contact details are used. Google Analytics only loads if you allow the Analytics category. AFME does not send your name, email address or anything you type into forms to Google Analytics.
Marketing and advertising
AFME does not currently use any marketing or advertising cookies. Industry-partner adverts shown on the website are counted (how many times each advert is shown and clicked) without cookies and without identifying you. If AFME introduces marketing or advertising technologies in future, this policy will be updated first and they will only be activated after you have allowed this category.
3. Your AFME consent preference
When you first visit the website, AFME provides controls to accept all optional cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or choose individual categories. Your preference is stored so that we do not need to ask on every page visit.
You can change your choice at any time using the Cookie Settings control available on the website.
If you withdraw your consent, Google Analytics stops loading straight away. Any Google Analytics cookies already on your device stay there until they expire or you delete them in your browser settings.
4. Cookies currently used by AFME
The cookies AFME currently uses are listed below. The list may change as the website develops, and this policy will be updated when it does.
AFME consent cookie: afme_cookie_consent — stores your cookie-category choices and the consent version. It is treated as strictly necessary because it records the privacy choice you have made.
| Cookie | Category | Set by | Purpose | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
afme_cookie_consent | Strictly necessary | AFME | Remembers your cookie choices | 180 days |
wordpress_logged_in_*, wordpress_sec_*, wordpress_test_cookie | Strictly necessary | AFME (WordPress) | Keeps signed-in members logged in securely | End of session, or up to 14 days if you choose to stay signed in |
_ga | Analytics (only with consent) | Google Analytics | Distinguishes one visitor from another so visits can be counted | 2 years |
_ga_NHQ4F870XB | Analytics (only with consent) | Google Analytics | Keeps track of the current visit | 2 years |
5. Third-party services
AFME uses Google Analytics, provided by Google Ireland Limited, only when you have allowed the Analytics category. Google handles this information under its own privacy terms: see How Google uses information from sites that use its services.
AFME may add other website, email, security or technology providers in future. Any that set non-essential cookies will only be loaded after you have given the relevant consent, and they will be added to the list in section 4.
6. How long preferences are kept
The AFME cookie preference is normally kept for up to 180 days, after which we may ask you to confirm your choices again. We may also ask again sooner if the consent categories or technologies used on the website materially change.
7. Managing cookies in your browser
You can also delete or block cookies using your browser settings. Blocking strictly necessary cookies may prevent member login or other website functions from working correctly.
8. Contact and privacy
For questions about cookies, privacy or your personal information, please use the AFME Contact Us page. Further information about how AFME handles personal information is available in the AFME Privacy Policy.
Association of Food Manufacturing Engineers (AFME)
United Kingdom
