Food

We are responsible for maintaining standards of  quality and quantity of food products offered at retail and wholesale level.

We do this 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. See our range of Advice Leaflets.

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 under the Food Standards Agency's Food Hazard Warning System which alerts local authorities to any problems associated with food. Food alerts are often issued in conjunction with a product withdrawal or recall by a manufacturer or retailer.