Surrey

Food Sampling – The Authority had adopted a clear food sampling policy and was implementing an extensive sampling programme. Comprehensive follow-up action had been taken on all unsatisfactory sampling results received.

Project Work – The Authority had carried out a number of projects that linked food sampling activity with inspections of food premises, enforcement, food standards promotion and advice to businesses. The projects were all well researched, provided useful information to traders and publicised food standards enforcement issues.

Database Records – Although all food premises checked were on the Authority’s computerised database, many of the records associated with the food premises were inaccurate. This compromised the inspection programme in that there was no certainty that all high risk premises had been identified. Some premises classified as high risk and some reported as having no inspectable risk appeared to have been wrongly risk rated. The procedure for incorporating new food premises into the inspection programme was also inconsistent and the accuracy of monitoring returns made to the Food Standards Agency was affected by coding errors. Data input protocols need to be clarified to ensure consistent and accurate data entry and to provide reliable management information.

Frequency of Food Premises Inspections – Whilst inspection frequencies had been agreed by Members and high risk inspections were being prioritised, food standards inspections were not being carried out at the minimum frequencies according to risk as required by Food Safety Act Code of Practice No.8: Food Standards Inspections. The minimum frequencies are devised to ensure that enforcement authorities are regularly monitoring food standards in businesses and to enable timely interventions to be made when necessary.