Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council

There was clear evidence that the Authority supported the Home Authority Principle and had formal arrangements in place with five local food businesses in relation to food standards enforcement. Whilst the Authority did not have any formal Home Authority agreements in relation to food safety enforcement, the Service had approached appropriate businesses about entering into more formal arrangements and its commitment to the Principle was evident.

There was also clear evidence from the records of various food safety enforcement activities that officers were liaising with Home Authorities on all occasions when appropriate to do so. Officers were also taking thorough follow-up action and providing appropriate advice to businesses on compliance with food safety legislation. Comprehensive and well organised records of food safety enforcement were being maintained.

The Service had compiled files of enforcement records for the businesses for which it acted as Home Authority for food standards. In the few cases where information had been recorded, there were indications that appropriate advice was being given. However, the records relating to food standards enforcement generally lacked sufficient detail of food businesses� enforcement histories to guide subsequent inspecting officers, to inform decisions an a graduated approach to enforcement and to provide a basis for effective internal monitoring.

A range of promotional initiatives and projects were being undertaken to provide advice to local businesses in relation to food safety, food standards and feed issues.