16 CRAFTBUTCHER l NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017


PRIMARY AUTHORITY: ENFORCEMENT OF FOOD SAFETY LAWS


Health Officers (EHOs). Personally, I have met and dealt with 100s of EHOs and generally find them very approachable and professional as well as very fair and reasonable in the way they deal with food businesses. Of course, in my job, I do unfortunately encounter the opposite type occasionally. Whichever type you have


RICHARD STEVENSON, TECHNICAL MANAGER Delivering advice to Members


ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS Most members I talk to have excellent relationships with their local Environmental


it is always well to remember that first and foremost they are enforcement officers. Teir job is to enforce various environmental and public health legislation, but their main focus is food safety. EHOs are highly qualified and they have wide powers including instigating criminal prosecution. Tey are not nicknamed the food police for


MEMBERS ADVICE


nothing. Any enforcement action


that an officer deems necessary must, by statute, be reasonable, proportionate, risk-based and consistent with good practice. All local authorities must publish an enforcement policy that must be up-to-date and include measures that support business. Horsham District Council for example already have a long-standing tradition and ethos of supporting local business. EHOs are encouraged,


where possible, to adopt a graduated and educative approach to any non- compliances they encounter. Tis obviously depends on the seriousness and possible impact of the breach. Initial action can be informal verbal advice and discussion. If this does not achieve the desired outcome the next stage might be the issuing of notices. Prosecution is the last resort.


In very serious cases EHOs have wide emergency powers and can seize food and close businesses.


THE ROLE OF PRIMARY AUTHORITY A further check against unnecessarily strong enforcement action is the


Christmas is coming


toLeonards… ●Cranberry & Orange stuffing


●Cranberry, Chestnut & Apple stuffing


●Sage & Onion stuffing


●Lemon, Parsley & Thyme stuffing


●Whiskey & Honey stuffing L


PS. Don’t forget to order your stocks of


Pork & Chestnut and Cranberry & Orange Sausage Mixes


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20