Uttlesford

The authority had developed a comprehensive food safety service plan for 2010/2011 which was in line with the service planning guidance in the Framework Agreement. The plan made numerous appropriate references to the authority’s imported food control arrangements. Auditors noted the demands placed upon the statutory service by the monitoring and investigation of imported foods which required manual checking of manifests and effective liaison with agents and importers.

The authority had recently reviewed their operational procedure relevant to the scope of the audit and in line with recent legislative changes. The service recognised that there was a continuing need to update their procedures and this was planned as a future rolling programme.

A documented procedure for the authorisation of officers had been developed and implemented. Officers had been authorised for current relevant imported food legislation in accordance with the Food Law Code of Practice, although some of the legal references required review. Of the files examined, each officer had completed the minimum 10 hours of food-related training based on Continuing Professional Development. The record keeping arrangements in relation to officer qualifications and training were accurate, complete and readily retrievable.

It was apparent from audit record checks that imported food control was considered by the authority to be an integral part of the food service. There were effective systems and arrangements in place in relation to the control of imported food, including those identified as potentially of a higher risk. The authority had in place a robust system for the identification of incoming consignments through liaison with agents and importers and some detailed checking of manifests. Imported food controls, including documentary checks and physical checks, were risk based and targeted using previous knowledge and experience.

It was evident that appropriate action was taken in relation to high risk imported foods where food safety issues had been identified. Follow-up letters had been issued to importers who had attempted to import high risk foods without the appropriate checks being undertaken.

There were extensive liaison arrangements in place with central Government, other enforcement bodies, professional organisations and other external stakeholders, including airport managers and importing agents. The local authority also undertook liaison with other airport authorities to maintain a consistent approach and for the exchange of information and good practice.

The authority had developed a documented internal monitoring procedure that included imported food activities. There was some qualitative monitoring in place against the monitoring procedure. The analysis of imported food data and the reporting of this information to the Food Standards Agency were identified as needing further improvement.

A reality check visit to Stanstead Airport was undertaken during the audit. The enforcement officer interviewed was able to demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge of imported food controls and internal procedures, and auditors were satisfied with the arrangements and facilities in place for general imported food checks and those for high risk food not of animal origin. It was evident from the reality check visit that the liaison arrangements developed by the officers were fundamental to the control of high risk imported foods and auditors recognised that it was essential to maintain this resource.