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Environmental Health
Lewes District Council
Southover House
Southover Road
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 1AB
Tel: 01273 484354
ehealth@lewes.gov.uk
Minicom 01273 484488
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Food Business Inspections
When an Environmental Health Officer calls, they will need to satisfy themselves that food from a food business is safe. Similarly there are standards that a business operator can expect from the Officer.
Local Authorities are responsible for enforcing food hygiene laws. To do this, enforcement officers may visit your business premises to inspect them. These officers might come on a routine inspection, or they might visit because of a complaint. They have the right to enter and inspect your premises at any reasonable time and will usually come without telling you first.
The inspectors will look at how you operate your business to identify potential hazards and to make sure your business is following the law. With the right checks in place your business will not only be compliant, but will ensure that the quality of your food is maintained, wastage is minimised and profits are higher.
Visits
When an inspector visits they will undertake either a full inspection, a partial inspection or may take samples of food for analysis. Whichever type of visit the inspector undertakes they will always want to see your Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) documentation – such as your Safer Food Better Business pack. They will also want to check that your kitchen is clean and that you are keeping foods at the right temperature.
What Action Can an Inspector Take?
- Take samples and photographs of food, and inspect your records
- Write to you informally asking you to put right any problems
- Serve you with an improvement notice if you are breaking the law, which sets out certain things which you must do to comply
- Detain or seize suspect foods
- Serve an ‘emergency prohibition notice’ which forbids the use of the premises or equipment (this notice must be confirmed by a court)
- Recommend a prosecution in serious cases.
What Can You Expect from the Inspector?
The inspector will show you identification when they arrive and be professional and courteous throughout the visit. They should always give you feedback on an inspection. This means they will tell you about any hazards they have identified and advise you about how they can be avoided. The inspector will be reasonable throughout the inspection and in any action they take.
If You Disagree with The Inspector
If you feel that you have been dealt with inappropriately you should contact the Environmental Health Manager who will be happy to discuss and concerns you may have and advise you on appropriate action.
