Wycombe
Wednesday 25 September 2002
29-31 January 2002
The Authority was providing a well balanced range of food law enforcement services.
A thorough and comprehensive approach was demonstrated in investigative work, and the Authority was carrying out a number of initiatives to assist businesses in its area to comply with food legislation.
This advisory approach was balanced by a range of enforcement activities, however, there was evidence that in their execution the requirements of the relevant Food Safety Act Codes of Practice were not always being followed.
Wycombe District Council had been selected for audit because no food sampling activity had been undertaken in 2000. The Authority had recognised the need to improve, and had already begun to implement measures to address this issue.
The Authority's Strengths
Investigative Work
There was evidence that thorough and comprehensive investigations and follow-up action had been carried out, in particular on:
- Complaints about food and food premises
- Notifications of sporadic cases of food related infectious diseases
- Food poisoning disease outbreaks
Home Authority Principle
There was evidence of extensive and considered advice to food businesses, for which the Authority acts informally as Home Authority.
Promotion and Advice
The Authority was carrying out a wide range of initiatives to assist businesses in complying with food law and to promote food safety in general.
Key Area for Improvement
Enforcement
Whilst enforcement action was being taken where appropriate, and in line with the Authority's Enforcement Policy, there was a lack of documented procedures on enforcement actions that may be required following inspections, and formal enforcement action wasnot always being taken in line with the relevant Food Safety Act Codes of Practice.
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