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Food Hygiene Inspections
Rules covering the making and selling of foods have existed for centuries, but in modern times these rules have been developed into laws that govern every aspect of the safe preparation of food ‘from the farm to the fork’. In general terms the legislation aims to protect consumers from illness and injury with the intention of ensuring that food is wholesome and fit to eat. Businesses are legally required to provide certain facilities at places of work (i.e. wash hand basins, sinks etc.) in order to facilitate food safety. They also have a duty to ensure that all people engaged in the handling, preparation and sale of foods are properly instructed/trained and supervised appropriately for the work they do.
More recently emphasis has been placed on methods that identify and stop, or reduce the risks to food safety. Businesses are now legally obliged to analyse food safety hazards and take steps to control them. They must keep a constant check on the effectiveness of controls by routine monitoring, and must record, in writing, the results obtained (e.g. refrigeration temperature values).
Who will inspect your business and why?
Local Authorities have a statutory duty to inspect food premises in order to ensure compliance with food safety legislation (The Food Safety Act 1990 and Regulations made thereunder).
Authorised Officers have the right to enter and inspect food premises at all reasonable hours, this may include visits in the early morning or during the evening, depending upon trading patterns. Routine inspections are usually made without prior notice. The frequency of routine visits is determined by the potential risk posed by the type of foods prepared/sold, the previous record of compliance and the confidence in management systems. High risk premises may expect a visit every six months, others less often. Visits may also be made as a result of a complaint.
The Officer will look at the way the business is operated to identify possible hazards and to ensure compliance with statutory requirements. The Officer will discuss any problems identified and advise on possible solutions, they also have enforcement powers to use in order to protect the public.
Useful information about hazard analysis can be found on the food safety procedures page.
What you are entitled to expect from the Officer
- A courteous manner.
- To be shown identification.
- Feedback from the inspection, e.g. information on food safety hazards identified during the visit and advice on how to control them.
- A clear distinction between what are legal requirements and recommendations/good practice.
- A written summary of the actions required – this may be in the form of a report of inspection or a letter and will give details of the regulation contravened and an indication of the timescale for completion of the works required.
What powers do Officers have?
- They can take samples and photographs, and can inspect records.
- They may write informally requesting that works be done or faults rectified.
- They may serve Improvement Notices that require works to be done.
- Where they consider that an imminent risk to the health of consumers exists they may serve Prohibition Notices which forbid the use of premises, equipment or processes.
- In the most serious of cases they may decide to recommend prosecution.
- You must not obstruct Officers in the performance of their duties.
What to do if you think that the outcome is unfair
- If you do not agree with the course of action taken by the Officer you should contact his/her Manager to see if the issue can be resolved informally.
- You could follow the Council's ‘Comments, Compliments, Complaints’ procedure.
- You could contact your Ward Councillor.
- If you think that North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) is applying the law in a different way from other authorities you can seek advice from the Local Authorities Co-ordinating Body on Regulatory Services (LACORS) either through your trade organisation, through NHDC, or via the web-site www.lacors.gov.uk
- You have a right to appeal to the Magistrates Court, Bayley House, Sish Lane, Stevenage, Herts against an Improvement or Prohibition Notice.
The Food Safety Act and Regulations aim to make sure that all foods offered for sale to the public are safe to eat. Further information can be found on the Food Standards Agency website.
Contact Details
The Commercial Team can be contacted via the Customer Service Centre on 01462 474000, at env.health@north-herts.gov.uk or at;
Commercial Team
North Hertfordshire District Council
Council Offices
Gernon Road
Letchworth Garden City
Herts
SG6 3JF