Food

THE FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY (FSA) is encouraging UK consumers to take positive steps in reducing saturated fat intake. Further information

Every day the Trading Standards Food team impact on consumers lives without them realising it. For example, on a Saturday you might do your weekly shop at the supermarket then go out for a few drinks in the evening with friends, before getting a take away for your dinner. In each of these scenarios Trading Standards have checked that these businesses are keeping within the law, by checking their weighing and measuring equipment, and that the food provided is of the standard and quality demanded by legislation.

What is Food Standards?

Food Standards are set down in law, to ensure that the food we eat is accurately described and of the nature and quality demanded by the consumer and regulations. We inspect all premises in Lancashire that manufacture, prepare or sell food, be it a food factory or a sandwich shop, a take away or a restaurant.
On inspection, prices and descriptions are checked along with food labelling and durability dates, to ensure compliance with relevant food standards legislation.
We also have a regular sampling program to check that claims on packaging are correct, and that products such as sausages and pies, meet legislative requirements in relation to meat content.

We are currently taking part in a national survey in relation to the levels of Salt, Sugar and Fats found in foods. This survey will feed into the government's healthy eating strategy, which will hopefully encourage food manufacturers to produce healthier foods, and encourage consumers to choose healthier options when doing their weekly shop.

The health agenda is very important to Lancashire Trading Standards, and to assist Lancashire consumers and visitors, we are developing the Recipe 4 Health scheme, an award for catering businesses that offer healthy alternatives. For more information on this please click here.

LINKS
Food Standards Agency
www.food.gov.uk

www.eatwell.gov.uk

Food Safety and Hygiene Alerts

http://www.food.gov.uk/enforcement/alerts/

Lancashire County Council Trading Standards, 58-60 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancashire PR1 3NU.
Telephone: 0845 404 0506 or (01772) 533573   Fax: (01772) 533591   Electronic Mail: feedback@lancashire.gov.uk