Food safety inspections & complaints

The Council has wide ranging powers to ensure businesses comply with the law.  These involve both education and enforcement:

• Writing informally asking the proprietor to put right any problems they find. This will give a set time limit which will be followed up
• Serving Hygiene Improvement Notices that state the works and date to comply. Failure to comply is an offence and likely to lead to prosecution
• Detaining or seizing foods
• Prosecuting the business or issuing a Caution. In extreme situations, the council can also seek to get the premise, a process or even a person prohibited
• If there is an imminent health risk to consumers, inspectors can serve an Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice that forbids the use of the premises or equipment. The Magistrates Court will confirm if this is the correct action at a hearing soon after.

There are appeal procedures in place in terms of Enforcement Action that is taken by Officers. The time limit allowed for complying with a Notice may be extended if a written application is made and the reasons are acceptable.