Food safety inspections & complaints

Authorised Officers of the Council have a legal right to enter a food business at any reasonable time.

For domestic premises being used for food business, 24 hours Notice will be given.

If an Officer is obstructed from entering a premise, or from carrying out their duties, the offence committed that can result in prosecution of the individual / company.

If you have any doubts about the identity of someone claiming to be a council inspector then ask to check their ID.  This should show their photograph and describe their powers.  If you have any doubts you can call the Community Safety Services team to confirm.

Officers inspect and enforce in line with UK legislation and Government / European guidance. How this is carried out is strictly controlled, and must be in line with

• The Food Safety Act 1990
• The Food Hygiene Regulations
• Codes of Practice issued by the Food Standards Agency (http://www.food.gov.uk/)
• Guidance supplied by LACORS (www.lacors.gov.uk)
• Advice in relevant approved industry guides for food businesses
• Proper hazard analysis and control

Officers will also offer recommendations to aid the business, but these will be clearly identified as recommendations, not legal requirements.