Food Safety

Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) and other suitably qualified Officers monitor the safety of food at all stages of production from storage to distribution and sale. EHOs visit food premises and advise managers on hygiene and safety matters.

On a day-to-day basis, the vast majority of EHOs working in this field advise businesses on food law and regulations and work with them to safeguard public health. EHOs also run courses to educate food handlers and promote initiatives to raise consumer awareness of how to prevent food poisoning in the home.

Food safety is a major health issue and EHOs have powers to ensure that food premises and food handlers comply with requirements. Food businesses do not have to be licensed to operate, however they should register with the local authority in which they are operating.

Further information

• Information for Food Business Operators
• Setting up a Food Business
• Advice for consumers
• Food complaints
• Food inspections
• Environmental Health Enforcement Policy
• Food Hazard Warnings
• Food hygiene courses
• Importing food

Food Hygiene Rating Scheme – new scheme

Please see our separate pages relating to new Food Hygiene Rating Scheme .

Food Safety Newsletter – January 2011

Attached here is a copy of a newsletter produced by Environmental Health which gives useful advice and guidance to food businesses. 

Please contact Environmental Health for further information.