London Borough of Barnet

The Authority supported the Home Authority Principle (HAP) and had a formal arrangement with 1 food business and informal arrangements with 24 others. The Authority was considering the HAP when carrying out food law enforcement and referrals had been made to other local authorities that acted as home or originating authorities in respect of unsatisfactory food samples and complaints. Appropriate action had been taken where referrals had been received from other enforcement bodies.

Records examined showed that the Authority�s officers were providing clear and comprehensive advice to business following routine inspections, as part of complaint investigations, in response to unsatisfactory food sample results and requests from businesses for advice.

The Authority had prioritised the use of available resources for food law enforcement in those areas regarded as being of greatest importance and had scaled down its food promotion activities in recent years.