Shetland Islands (Year 3) (Closed)
Wednesday 8 October 2003
28 - 29 July 2003
With a population of approximately 22,500, the Shetland Islands form the most northerly part of the British Isles, with the southernmost tip of the mainland approximately 100 miles north of the Scottish mainland. Shetland comprises of Mainland, which is the largest Island and over 100 other islands, 16 of which are inhabited. Some islands are reached by road links and others by air or sea. The total land area is 556 square miles and the total coastline is 900 miles.
The delivery point for the food law enforcement service and trading standards service is based in Lerwick on the mainland and is open from 09:00-17:00 Monday to Thursday and from 09:00-16:00 on Friday.
There can be significant geographical and logistical problems associated with food enforcement within the Shetland Islands. Inspections may involve lengthy journeys by road, air and sea. Prevailing weather conditions can often prevent such journeys being undertaken for significant periods of time.
Executive summary
The Authority’s Strengths
Service Plan - A Service Plan has been produced which meets the requirements of the standard.
Food & Feedingstuffs Safety & Standards Promotion - The Authority are actively implementing food safety promotion.
Advice to Business - The Authority are providing advice to local businesses.
Complaints Against the Service - A policy and procedure is in place.
Areas for Improvement
Food & Food Premises Complaints - Although these have been followed up, the records do not always indicate if the complainant has been advised of the outcome.
The Complaints Policy was not available at the time of audit
Control and Investigation of Outbreaks and Food Related Infectious Diseases – The joint outbreak control plan which is currently in draft needs to be finalised and the Investigation of Infectious Disease Notifications Procedure requires to be reviewed in order to address all relevant issues.
Related links
(pdf 49KB)