Shepway District Council

The Authority demonstrated effective arrangements for programming and delivery of its sampling activities, with strong and well established liaison with neighbouring authorities and the Public Health Laboratory Service. This had resulted in the development of a comprehensive sampling manual. The Authority participated fully in regional and national sampling surveys.

The Service was also successfully using food sampling as a tool to verify the effectiveness of food safety systems operating in the Authority's high risk food premises and businesses for which it acted as Home or Originating Authority.

The Authority had been unable to fulfil its intended sampling programme for 2001 due to a staffing shortage and other competing priorities. These difficulties had been resolved at the time of the audit and there were clear indications that previous higher food sampling levels would be re-established in 2002.