Food Safety Enforcement
Food Safety Enforcement in North Ayrshire Council is undertaken by the Environmental Health Section.
"Our aim is to ensure the safety of all food supplied and ensure that all premises where food is supplied, prepared, manufactured, stored or sold are constructed and operated in an hygienic manner."
The Environmental Health Section is based in Cunninghame House, Irvine and operates during normal office hours. However, food safety enforcement is conducted outwith these hours where necessary. In the case of food related emergencies, the Assistant and Chief Environmental Health Officers are contacted via mobile phone out with office hours.
Enforcement action is taken in accordance with the Council's Food Enforcement Policy (PDF, 395Kb). The main aim of the Policy is that enforcement is conducted in a reasonable, proportionate, transparent and consistent manner.
To ensure consistent enforcement, the Council is represented on various groups such as the West of Scotland Food Liaison Group, Scottish Audit Advisory Board and a benchmarking group which includes Inverclyde, South and East Ayrshire Councils.
The main objectives are:
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To carry out a risk based inspection and sampling programme covering all food businesses within North Ayrshire Council in line with documented procedures, based on the relevant legislation, Code of Practice and guidance notes.
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To work with local businesses in an open and transparent manner to help them, where necessary, improve the safety of food and level of compliance with relevant legislation.
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To respond efficiently to complaints about food safety, hygiene of food premises, food labelling or food composition, originating from premises or purchases made within North Ayrshire.