London Borough of Hillingdon

The Authority had developed an effective system for identifying NPOAO foods arriving at the Airport and was implementing a risk based approach to the selection of consignments for examination and sampling. Good liaison arrangements had been established with most relevant agencies at the Airport to assist effective import control.

Appropriate follow-up actions were generally being taken on unsatisfactory sampling results and all formal enforcement actions were appropriate and achieved a successful outcome. The Authority was also proactive in assisting businesses and importers to comply with import control requirements.

The Service's records of examinations and actions taken were clear and appropriately detailed. These permitted full traceability of consignments and provided a good basis for internal monitoring. Officers' actions were being monitored routinely and effective corrective actions had been taken when necessary to maintain consistency of enforcement and adherence to the Authority's procedures.

The Service's information systems were of a very high standard. The Service had implemented comprehensive documented NPOAO control procedures and officers were developing an updated electronic reference source, that would provide immediate access to all relevant legislation, official guidance, control requirements and hazard alerts.

There were, however, some significant problems with the Authority's arrangements for officer authorisations and more attention needed to be given to formal legal processes.