Thanet District Council

The Authority had implemented a level of imported food control that was generally proportionate to the current levels of trade at the two local ports. The Service was being reviewed and strengthened in anticipation of an expansion in freight handling at Kent International Airport.

The audit identified some areas of information gathering and liaison that could be enhanced. However, the Authority had already begun to set up appropriate robust systems to enable it to identify all relevant consignments of food imported through the air and sea ports. Liaison arrangements with relevant personnel at the two ports and other port enforcement authorities had been established and were being further developed. These should provide the Service with the necessary intelligence on import trade and useful contacts with other port enforcement authorities for the sharing of information and to assist in achieving consistency of enforcement.

An appropriate training programme had been commenced to ensure that all relevant officers were able to carry out effective enforcement. This was underpinned by a comprehensive range of documented procedures that was being further developed to reflect the anticipated increase in import control activity.