London Borough of Wandsworth

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

The Food Service had developed a number of initiatives to work with food businesses to help them comply with food safety legislation and was able to provide some evidence that these initiatives had been successful in improving compliance. One advice initiative had included involvement with the Central government scheme Planning and Regulatory Services On-line (PARSOL) in which the Authority had taken a leading role.

Whilst the Authority was clearly working with food businesses to help them comply with food legislation, there was a need to ensure that all businesses received sufficient written information to enable them to comply with legislative requirements and to distinguish legal requirements from good practice in correspondence with business.

Advisory and promotional work was included in the service planning process and had been successfully integrated into work carried out by the Service. A range of advice and promotional initiatives were being undertaken and comprehensive records were being maintained.