Lincolnshire County Council

It was evident that the Authority was working with food and feed businesses to help them comply with food standards and feeding stuffs legislation and had developed a range of food standards and feeding stuffs advisory and promotional initiatives. Some of the initiatives were linked to national priorities and in all cases were actively pursued by the Authority in relation to the local community and businesses.

The Authority had developed effective links with businesses, enforcement agencies, neighbouring authorities and other relevant organisations to promote food standards and feeding stuffs in businesses and in the community.

It was clear that the Authority supported the Home Authority Principle (HAP). Whilst there were no formal HA agreements the commitment was demonstrated by the Authority�s policy of acting as HA for all local food and feed businesses that sold food or feed outside the county.

The Authority�s Service Plans, policies and procedures on business visits, sampling and complaints made appropriate reference to Home Authority/Originating Authority (HA/OA) activity.

Records showed that officers from the Authority generally considered the HAP when carrying out food law enforcement work including investigations of food and food premises complaints, and there was evidence of effective liaison with home, enforcing and/or originating authorities.