Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council

The Authority had been selected for audit because of the low level of food standards inspections of high risk premises carried out in 2001. The Authority had recognised the need to address this, and had introduced additional resources into this area of work. This included the creation of a specific food standards team, the funding of two additional posts, prioritisation of inspections, and a review of premises risk ratings. This had led to a significant reduction in the numbers of high risk premises overdue an inspection at the time of the audit. The Authority was also committed to ensuring that the backlog of lower risk inspections for both food standards and food hygiene was addressed in the future.

Assessments of compliance with food hygiene requirements in general premises and licensed butchers' shops were effectively carried out.

The Authority had re-organised in 2000 to bring together the environmental health and trading standards functions. The combined department still needed to ensure that there was adequate liaison between the two teams so that an appropriate level of service was provided, in particular in respect of its response to food hazard warnings issued by the Agency. The Authority had plans to merge the 2 separate databases operated by the teams. Improvements were needed to the food standards database as inaccuracies and omissions were such that it did not enable a comprehensive food standards inspection programme to be carried out.

Quality of General Food Hygiene Inspections - It was clear from records of general food hygiene inspections that they were consistently comprehensive, focused on potential risks and controls in the business and officers were routinely providing clear and helpful advice for proprietors.

Butchers' Licensing - Records of butchers' licensing assessments indicated that they were very comprehensive and well structured.

Food Standards Inspection Frequencies - There were significant numbers of food standards inspections that were overdue, although recent measures had been introduced to address this, and high risk inspections were now being prioritised.

Food Standards Database - There was a range of problems with the completeness and accuracy of the food standards database. This resulted in an inability to devise a complete inspection programme, and inaccuracies in the monitoring returns sent to the Agency.

Food Hazard Warnings - Appropriate and timely action was not always being taken in response to food hazard warnings issued by the Agency, which could compromise public health.

Approved Premises - There were significant discrepancies between details on Approved Premises held centrally by the Agency and those maintained by the Authority. Approval documents were missing from many of the files examined, and it was apparent that a graduated approach to enforcement was not being adopted.