Salisbury

Tuesday 29 October 2002

15-16 July 2002

The Authority was able to demonstrate a good standard of food law enforcement service delivery across most areas of activity. This was built on the foundation of an efficient approach to administration and effective management.

The Authority had benefited from a rigorous regional audit scheme prior to the Food Standards Agency's audit. The local audit had highlighted some areas of operation that could be improved, and the Food Service had subsequently addressed many of these issues through implementation of its action plan based on the findings. Consequently, no key areas for improvement have been identified in this report and most of the recommendations raised can be easily remedied.

The Authority’s Strengths:

Approach to record keeping - The administration staff, with primary responsibility for the database and paper filing systems, demonstrated a systematic and effective approach to record keeping. The files were well ordered and provided easily retrievable, complete and reliable records of each business’s enforcement history. The file records were consistent with the information held on the database.

Management of the food premises database – the database was accurate and contained an up to date record of food premises and enforcement actions. The capabilities of the system were being used as an effective management tool and as a reliable basis for activity planning and monitoring.

Premises inspections and investigative work – officers were delivering a good service in most areas of food enforcement work. Overall, general premises inspections, food complaint and food poisoning investigations, and the follow-up actions to food sampling and food hazard warnings were appropriate, thorough and well documented.

Advice to business – the Authority was carrying out a range of proactive initiatives to assist businesses in complying with food law.

Key Areas for Improvement:

No key areas for improvement were identified