Newcastle upon Tyne City Council

The Food Safety Service Plan identified the Authority's responsibilities for imported food control, both inland and at Newcastle Airport. Records examined during the audit demonstrated that the Authority had been proactively involved in inland imported food work. This included sampling of imported foods and effective enforcement action where appropriate.

Although there was no regular commercial trade in imported food or feeding stuffs through the Airport or the Enhanced Remote Transit Sheds (ERTS), the Authority had appointed a dedicated Airport Liaison Officer. Local liaison arrangements with HM Customs and Excise (HMCE), and transit shed operators had also been established, which included the notification of any consignments of imported foods or feeding stuffs to the Authority. The arrangements should be reviewed to ensure they remain effective.

The Authority had developed a documented procedure and relevant notice templates in relation to imported food control, and officer training in this area of work had been provided. However, the Service's arrangements for officer authorisation required clarification, to ensure that all officers were appropriately authorised to enforce relevant imported food legislation.