Food safety in business premises

Why do environmental health staff visit/inspect my food premises?

Staff from the Environmental Health Team have the right to enter and inspect food businesses at all reasonable times. They do not have to make an appointment and will usually arrive without notice.

They could be carrying out a routine inspection or visiting as a result of a complaint. They will look at the way you operate your business to identify potential hazards and make sure that you are complying with the law.

What powers do the inspectors have?

• They can take samples and photographs and inspect records
• They can detain or seize suspect foods.
• They may write to you informally asking you to put right any problems that they find, carefully listing what were the contraventions of the law and what recommendations of good practice were made.
• In serious cases they may recommend prosecution and if there is an imminent health risk to consumers, inspectors can serve an emergency prohibition notice which prohibits the use of equipment or premises. This notice would have to be confirmed by the Court.
• The inspector may serve improvement notices for contraventions found during the inspection and he/she would agree with you a reasonable period in which to carry out the necessary works.

What can you do if you think that the outcome is not fair?

If you don't agree with the action taken by the Inspector, you should first contact the Team Manager - Laura Aston  on 020 8891 7988 to see if the problem can be resolved informally, if you are still unhappy you can complain through the Council's Complaints Procedure.

You have the right of appeal to a Magistrate's Court against an improvement notice or a refusal by a Local Authority to lift an emergency prohibition order made earlier by the Court.

How can I protect my premises and food from pests?

Ensure that your premises are properly proofed against access by pests, birds, etc., this will include ensuring all external gaps/holes etc. are fully covered as well as removing any potential sources of food.

What will happen if an inspector finds problems with food safety at my business?

This depends on the seriousness of the problem.  Minor contraventions will result in the inspector advising on how best to rectify the situation.  More serious matters will be dealt with more formally, ranging from the service of notice to possible prosecution for very serious offences.  The division has an enforcement policy that sets out the range of factors and actions likely to be taken to ensure that business comply with legal requirements. 

What checks can I carry out to ensure the food I sell is safe?

You should check that you food is cooked to the correct temperature.  Check your fridge and freezer temperatures daily.  Also, check the date marking on your foods to ensure that all foods are within date.

I believe I have food poisoning from eating in a place in the Borough, what should I do?

Contact the Commercial Environmental Health team as soon as possible on 020 8891 7994 given details of when, where, what you ate, the symptoms you have had etc.  You should also visit your doctor.

Can you tell me about the food safety courses you run?

Basic Food Hygiene courses lasting one day, refresher Food Hygiene Course lasting half a day and Intermediate Food Hygiene, once a year.  Basic Food Hygiene costs £61.00 Refresher Training £28.00 and Intermediate Course is £187.00.

Basic Food Hygiene courses are held monthly or bi-monthly dependent on demand. Refresher and Intermediate courses are run according to demand.

Do you run courses or provide information in foreign languages?

No.  But information is available on where foreign language courses are held. Contact us on 020 8891 7994.

Do I need to provide toilets for staff and the public?

If your premises is new, toilet facilities must be provided for both staff and customers. All premises must provide toilet facilities for their staff.

What provision do I need to make for refuse storage and disposal?

You must arrange for the proper periodic removal of the refuse and keep the area where the refuse is stored clean and hygienic. If you are disposing of animal by-products you must arrange for collection by a licensed contractor.

Further information on food safety?

If you would like further information of food safety please try the Food Standards Agency website.