Food Safety

WRS Officers carry out regular checks on high risk food premises in Worcestershire to ensure the public is protected and that high standards are maintained.

Unannounced visits are carried out by Environmental Health officers as part of a risk based inspection programme. Complaints may also generate an inspection.

During a visit

• Officers check that potential food safety risks have been identified by the business and that there are adequate controls in place to prevent any problems.
• Look at the training of managers and food handlers to ensure that it is suitable, and check that the condition of the premises and equipment is satisfactory.
• Agree a review date for the premises in line with the Food Standards Agency Code of Practice (this is available at the Food Standards Agency website:  http://www.food.gov.uk/ )
• Issue a Food Hygiene Rating Scheme [FHRS] rating for premises that are part of the Food Standards Agency Scheme (see separate web page)

Food Safety Enforcement

Over 90 per cent of businesses in Worcestershire maintain high standards of food safety but where practices or conditions are not satisfactory, officers will attempt to resolve the situation means including the provision of suitable information and education.

Where poor conditions persist, or where there is a significant risk to public health, it may be necessary to resort to formal action. This could involve either the service of legal notice, prosecution or, in extreme cases, closure of the business.

Our approach to Enforcement - Worcestershire Regulatory Services Enforcement Policy

For further information please contact us at Worcestershire Regulatory Services, or follow contact details on the left of this page.