Food safety - inspections
Food safety inspections
The Council is responsible for enforcement in around 1800 food
premises from manufacturers and distributors to caterers and retail
shops. We inspect all premises under the Food Hygiene
(England) Regulations 2006.
We are required to keep a record of all food businesses and
we have a programme to make sure that all food businesses are
inspected on a regular basis.
What we do
Officers have a right to enter and inspect a food business at
all reasonable hours, they do not need to make an appointment and
usually visit without advance notice. They have the power to
inspect a premise, inspect food, examine records (including
computerised records), they can seize food, take samples and take
photographs to be used as evidence.
Records
Officers will check any written records of
deliveries, suppliers, temperatures of stored products in
refrigeration and cooking temperature records if cooking takes
place. The management must also have records of cleaning schedules,
stock control, staff training and a written risk assessment of
their business.
Cleanliness
The general cleanliness and repair standards
will be assessed along with the standard of equipment and fittings.
Evidence of pest control and correct refuse disposal will be
examined and staff may be questioned about operations they perform
at work. All areas associated with the business may be checked
including staff changing rooms, storage areas and preparation
areas.
After the inspection
The officer will discuss their findings with
the person in charge after the inspection. An inspection report
will be left with the food business operator. Where appropriate
this will be followed up with a detailed letter. This will specify
those statutory requirements that are not being complied with and
what action must be taken to comply with the law. In addition,
advice on good practice may be included.
Where practices or conditions are not
satisfactory, every attempt will be made to resolve the situation
by informal means, but where poor conditions persist, or where
there is a risk to public health it may be necessary to take a more
formal route which could result in the service of Statutory Notices
or prosecution in the magistrates court.
Assessment
Following an inspection, each premise is assessed for the level
of compliance with relevant legislation. The premise receives a
score, which will determine when the premise will be next
inspected. This will range from an inspection within 6 months to
every 3 years.