Blaby
Friday 30 May 2003
12-14 August 2002
The Authority had historically achieved a high percentage of food premises inspection targets. However, the Section had been carrying vacancies in recent months and had been experiencing difficulties in meeting inspection and revisit targets.
The audit highlighted significant problems in the Authority’s record keeping which undermined the Service’s ability to fully demonstrate the standard of food law enforcement provided. However, the information that was reviewed indicated that satisfactory levels of service delivery were being achieved in most areas of enforcement activity.
The Authority’s Strengths
Documented Policies and Procedures - A comprehensive set of documented policies and procedures fully meeting the requirements of the Food Law Enforcement ‘Standard’ had recently been drawn up in conjunction with the local Food Liaison Group. They provided clearly understandable guidance on all aspects of the Authority’s food law enforcement service. Effective implementation of the documented policies and procedures should ensure a high level of consistency of enforcement.
Food Sampling - The Authority had developed an effectively targeted and risk based food sampling programme in conjunction with the local Food Liaison Group. The programme was comprehensive and appropriate follow up action had been taken in response to all unsatisfactory sample results.
Key Areas for Improvement
Records - The Authority’s records were inadequate in relation to business details and inspection findings for general premises, Approved Premises and butchers’ shops. It was difficult to ascertain details of the type and size of the business and the history of enforcement action from the file records. Adequate records are important so that subsequent officers can make informed judgements about future enforcement action and to allow effective internal monitoring to be carried out.
Internal Monitoring - There was limited evidence of effective internal monitoring across all aspects of the Service’s enforcement activity. This needs to be addressed to ensure a consistent and effective food law enforcement service.
