We monitor food standards in a variety of ways:
Inspection and Sampling
We carry out programmed inspections and sampling throughout the food chain, from farm through to manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. We aim to ensure the composition, quality, labelling, advertising and presentation of food complies with legal requirements.
The checks we perform ensure that:
* Consumers know what they are buying * Labels are truthful * Food products comply with legal minimum standards where appropriate * Additives included in food products are within the permitted limits * Prices are clearly displayed
Advice to Businesses
We respond to enquiries from local manufacturers who need guidance on the composition and labelling of their products and provide advice to help businesses comply with the law.
Complaints and Enquiries
We receive many calls from the public who inform us of possible breaches of the law in the service and retail trade. As a result of this information we may visit premises to investigate. Emphasis is placed on advising and educating businesses on their legal requirements and most matters can be resolved in this way. On other occasions however, formal action leading to prosecution may be required.
Food Alerts
We respond to food alerts issued by the Food Standards Agency. These alert local authorities to any problems associated with food. Food alerts often relate to a product withdrawal or recall by a manufacturer or retailer.
Education
Food education is an increasingly important part of our role. We work in partnership with other authorities and with other bodies such as the Primary Care Trust and the school meals service, to promote ‘healthy eating’.
For more information please click on the following links:
Food Standards Agency (FSA) - www.food.gov.uk
Trading Standards - www.tradingstandards.gov.uk
Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS - www.lacors.gov.uk
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