Food hygiene inspections

The council's food safety team inspects food premises in order to:

  • identify and prevent risks to public health
  • investigate possible breaches of food hygiene legislation and take action as necessary to get businesses legally compliant
  • offer advice about good food hygiene practices

Food safety officers have a right to enter and inspect a food business at all reasonable hours without making an appointment and usually  without advance notice.

Officers are authorised to inspect the premises, inspect food, examine records (including computerised records), seize food, take samples and take photographs to be used as evidence.

Good food hygiene

Visit the Food Standards Agency for information on good food hygiene including:

  • Cross-contamination
  • Cleaning
  • Chilling
  • Cooking