Ashford Borough Council

It was established that the authority was operating food hygiene law enforcement service systems and arrangements that were effective in supporting business compliance, and that local enforcement was managed and delivered effectively. The audit established that the authority was conforming against the requirements of the Food Law Enforcement Standard. There were no areas identified as requiring improvement and several systems were highlighted as examples of potential good practice.

The authority had developed an Environmental Health Service Plan for 2008/2009 and a revised food safety policy document. These had been approved by members and met the requirements of the Service Planning Guidance in the Framework Agreement on Food Law Enforcement. An annual performance review had also been carried out.

The audit confirmed that the database was effectively managed, accurate and up to date. It was operated so as to be capable of providing information required by the Agency. Comprehensive records of database checks were being maintained in line with the authority’s procedures and operational notes.

The food hygiene inspection programme was being effectively managed and inspections were being carried out in accordance with the programme. Records of inspections were being maintained and a report or letter had been issued in all the files examined.

The authority had developed internal monitoring procedures together with operational notes and checklists. Detailed qualitative and quantitative monitoring was being undertaken for all food law enforcement activities.

File checks on reactive work and formal enforcement activities confirmed that appropriate action was being taken in all of the cases examined. In addition records were detailed and easily retrievable.