Rossendale
Wednesday 25 September 2002
15-17 January 2002
The audit highlighted a number of operational and procedural problems.
A key shortcoming was found in relation to food safety enforcement in Approved Premises, and this needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Other key areas requiring attention include internal monitoring arrangements, general record keeping, and ensuring that minimum frequencies of inspection are achieved.
The Authority was able to demonstrate a thorough approach to sampling in accordance with its documented sampling policy, programme and procedures.
The Authority's Strengths
Sampling
The Authority had carried out an extensive range of food sampling. Follow-up action on unsatisfactory results was thorough and appropriate in all cases.
Key Areas for Improvement
Approved Premises
There were significant discrepancies between details on Approved Premises held centrally by the Food Standards Agency and those maintained by the Authority. Dairies in particular were not included on the database, had not been included within the inspection programme and had not been inspected for a considerable time.
Internal Monitoring
There was no evidence that effective internal qualitative monitoring of food law enforcement activity was being carried out.
Food Hygiene Inspections
The Authority was not carrying out food hygiene inspections at the minimum frequencies set out in Food Safety Act Code of Practice No. 9: Food Hygiene Inspections. A significant number of premises were overdue for inspection including high risk premises.
Database
Random checks showed that a number of premises had not been included on the database or the inspection programme, and some Approved Premises were not on the database. There was no effective procedure in place to ensure that the database was accurate and up to date.
Record Keeping
There were significant gaps in records relating to inspections, Approved Premises and other areas of work.
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