Food hygiene inspections

Qualified food officers from the council are required to carry out regular inspections of food businesses to make sure food is being handled and produced hygienically and the food is safe to eat. They will also identify any foreseeable risks of food poisoning or injury which might arise if the food is eaten.

Visits are carried out, as far as possible, without prior notification.

The inspectors will carry out the following checks:

  • the condition of your premises
  • the kinds of food you make or prepare
  • how you work and the training given to food handlers
  • your food safety management system.

Our inspectors will always try to resolve any problems informally but where there is a risk to public health it may be necessary to resort to formal action. This could involve either the service of legal notice, prosecution, or in extreme cases closure of the business.

More information

Visit the Food Standards Agency’s website for more information