21 April 2008: “Upset Environmental Health and ‘You’re Fired!’”

Media: 985

On Wednesday 23rd April at 9pm, if you tune into the BBC TV programme The Apprentice you can see Sir Alan’s hopeful apprentices as they make ice-cream at one of the businesses inspected by Lewes District Council, Downsview Farmhouse Ice Cream in Ringmer run by Sarah Farnes.

In 2006 Sarah, who was hoping to start a new ice-cream business using milk and cream from their own herds, approached Lewes District Council Environmental Health department.

Lisa Harvey-Vince, Acting Principal Environmental Health Officer was called in to offer regulatory advice, and has worked with the business since to promote good food hygiene practices and to monitor compliance with changing legislation. The business is visited at least two times a year in accordance with European requirements for inspection and sampling of dairy products from approved premises.

Before embarking on the Apprentice TV programme Sarah spoke to Environmental Health and took advice, as any products developed by the hopeful Apprentices would have to comply with the strict food hygiene standards and could only be sold under the terms of the approval for the premises.

Sarah said her contact with Environmental Health has always been positive and helpful. She added that ‘Even though they have the legal clout to ensure the food I make is safe, I know I can pick up the phone for advice any time and enjoy a good working relationship with my inspector’.

Look out for the programme to be broadcast on Wednesday at 9pm to see ‘Downsview Farmhouse Ice Cream’ and the hopeful apprentices as they make their debut in ice-cream manufacturing.

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Media enquiries: Liz Lacon, Communications Manager