Teignbridge District Council

The Authority was achieving a high level of performance across most areas of food law enforcement activity and no key areas for improvement were identified during the audit.

The Authority was providing a balanced service that was strong in assisting local businesses and in promoting food safety, yet prepared to take formal action when necessary. Reactive investigations of food complaints and food poisoning cases were very thorough as was the Authority’s programmed work, particularly in relation to the licensing of butchers’ shops.

The Authority’s Strengths:

Investigative Work - Investigations of food and food premises complaints and food poisoning notifications and outbreaks were very thorough and appropriate follow-up action had been taken and recorded in detail in all cases examined.

Advice to Business and Food Safety Promotion - The Authority was proactive in this area and had committed dedicated resources to implementing a wide range of initiatives aimed at helping businesses comply with food law. An extensive programme of food safety promotional initiatives was also in place, with a specific emphasis on working with local schools.

Butchers’ Shop Licensing – The process of carrying out butchers’ shop licensing assessments had been undertaken in a very comprehensive and well structured manner. The standard documentation developed to aid this process was particularly useful.

Food Sampling - The Authority’s food sampling programme appeared well targeted and thorough. Appropriate action had been taken on receipt of unsatisfactory sampling results in all cases.

Key Areas for Improvement:

There were no key areas for improvement.