Powys

The Authority was carrying out a number of its duties in a comprehensive manner, including sampling of food and feedingstuffs, the licensing of butchers� shops and implementing the Home Authority Principle. The Authority also demonstrated a commitment to promotional activity and the continuing professional development of its officers.

The Authority had appointed a number of enforcement officers who did not possess the necessary qualifications as required by Food Safety Act Code of Practice No 19 in that Environmental Health Officers were not registered with the Environmental Health Officers Registration Board. Authorities have a duty to follow the provisions of the Code of Practice, and should only authorise officers who either hold the specified qualifications, or whose qualifications have been judged to be equivalent to those specified.

The Authority had established a multi-disciplinary Illegal Slaughter Working Group to address the trade in illegally slaughtered meat in the area. The Authority also continued to be heavily involved in the aftermath of the foot and mouth disease outbreak, issuing around 50,000 animal movement licences in the year before the audit.