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The team splits into Food Safety and Health & Safety and Licensing. Below are a few notes that explain the work of the team.
Programmed Work
Food Inspections
All food businesses within the district are inspected on a routine basis in order to monitor food safety practices, compliance with the law and to provide advice. The officers welcome enquiries from new and existing food businesses, and can provide monitoring equipment, access to laboratory services as well as advice which will help make food safer.
Health & Safety Inspections
Health & Safety inspections are carried out to monitor workplace safety and to secure improvements in those businesses not complying with the legal minimum. The Health & Safety Executive checks some work activities, whilst generally Local Authorities are responsible for retail, wholesale, warehouse and office activities.
Sampling
Locally produced foods are routinely sampled and examined for microbiological contamination and radioactivity. Checking food and water quality in this way complements the inspection process by revealing if safety and hygiene advice is being followed.
Reactive Work
Responding to information received from members of the public, or other agencies provides officers with an invaluable opportunity to try and target those businesses operating at a less than satisfactory standard and to then get standards raised. Information responded to is as follows:
- Notifications of confirmed and suspected food poisoning cases from the Health Authority or directly from members of the public.
- Notifications of work place accidents involving employees, contractors or members of the public.
- Complaints from consumers having purchased foods which are contaminated with foreign objects or are unfit for consumption, or
- Complaints received which allege unsatisfactory conditions or practices either in the work place or at food premises.
- Requests for advice from new and existing businesses on how best to comply with either food or safety legislation.
- Responding to national food hazard warnings
Complaints or Enquiries
You can make a complaint Food & Safety Team easily by using our online form.
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