The Food Control service provides advice and guidance to the general public and food businesses on producing safe food. Food Control is concerned with enforcing relevant legislation relating to food safety in accordance with codes of practice, advice from central government and the enforcement policy statement.  Details of how this service is provided is contained within the Food Service Plan. The following information provides some useful information for both members of the public and local businesses.

Food Premises Registration
All food premises offering food for sale are required by law to register with the Council's Environmental Health Department. The application for registration must be made in writing at least 28 days before opening. An application form to register your food business is available here to download.

Food Hygiene Inspections
Under food safety legislation officers have a right to enter and inspect food premises at all reasonable hours. They do not have to make an appointment and will usually come without advance notice. Officers have the power to take samples, photographs and inspect records. On a visit to premises the environmental health officer will explain why the inspection is being made i.e. whether it is following a complaint or is simply a routine inspection. During a visit an officer will look at the condition and fabric of all the food rooms, monitor temperature of food on display or being stored and may take food samples for further analysis. Examination of any documents relating to your food business including temperature records, hazard analysis, cleaning schedules, pest control and staff training are routine tasks that an officer may carry out. Download a copy of Food Hygiene - A Guide for Businesses.

Frequency of Inspection
The potential for producing unfit/unsafe food increases depending upon the type of food produced, the processing method used and the attitude, experience and qualifications of the business management. A standard risk assessment form is used to determine the frequency of inspections.

After the Inspection
Contraventions of food legislation will be brought to the attention of the owner both at the time of the inspection and in writing. Contraventions will be addressed in accordance with the Department's enforcment policy.

Scores on the Doors
Scores on the Doors is similar to Eat Safe in that it is designed to promote excellence in food hygiene within local catering establishments. Using a star-based rating system like the one used in the tourism industry, every business that serves or sells food will receive a certificate awarding them between one and five stars. Click on the above link to find out which local businesses are scoring highly as part of this scheme.

Food Hygiene Training
Well trained staff is an important aspect in producing food that is safe. The Catering/Retail Industry guide to Good Hygiene Practice suggests that staff that prepare open high risk foods or handle and have a supervisory role must have training to a level equivalent to the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Basic Food Hygiene Certificate within 3 months of starting to work e.g. CIEH Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene and RSPH Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene. Contact the Department for up-to-date information on training providers.

Consumer Complaints
The Food Control service deals with all types of food related complaints. Many problems are resolved by simply providing advice to the proprietor of a food business or a manufacturer. In certain circumstances formal action may be necessary to achieve compliance with legislation. If you want to make a complaint about food you have purchased, or if you are unhappy about the premises from which you have bought food please let us know.

Food Sampling
Each year, a comprehensive food sampling programme is carried out to check that food and drink sold in the District is safe to eat and is of a quality consumers expect. The sampling programme incorporates all food premises and is also carried out as a result of local, regional and national surveys.

Food Information Leaflets
A number of food information leaflets are available from the Environmental Health Department. You can also download several important publications listed under 'Publications' in the right-hand column.

Contact:
Gavin Marshall - Environmental Health Lead Officer
Environmental Health Department, Banbridge District Council, The Gatelodge, Linenhall Street, Banbridge, Co. Down BT32 3EG
T: 028 4066 0606
F: 028 4066 0651
E: gavin.marshall@banbridge.gov.uk