Mid-Bedfordshire District Council

The authority had developed a comprehensive Food Safety Service Plan covering all relevant areas of the Service Planning Guidance in the Framework Agreement. The Service Plan made appropriate reference to the approved establishments enforcement function. An annual review of the Service Plan had been undertaken and it confirmed that the authority had met most relevant targets and had implemented action plans to address identified areas for improvement.

An electronic document control system was effectively operated and managed for reviewing and updating documented policies and procedures with clear evidence that these documents were updated on a regular basis in accordance with a centrally managed review programme.

It was confirmed that officers dealing with approved establishments were appropriately authorised on the basis of their qualifications, training and experience in accordance with Food Law Code of Practice requirements. It was recognised that the schedule of authorisations was under review to take account of legislative changes. Well organised and comprehensive training and qualification records were available.

It was confirmed that approved establishments records maintained by the authority were consistent with the list held by the Agency. The content of computer-based approved establishment file records were accessible, easily retrievable and comprehensive. Some improvements to record-keeping in relation to one approved establishment were needed to ensure the file contents complied with guidance in the Food Law Code of Practice and Practice Guidance.

Inspection record checks confirmed that approved meat products and minced meat and meat preparations establishments had been inspected at the minimum frequencies required by the Food Law Code of Practice. Approvals were appropriately granted and in the establishment visited it was confirmed that the food business operator (FBO) was operating in accordance with the approval. However, the authority needed to reconfirm approvals of all product-specific establishments subject to approval, in accordance with current regulations and official guidance. The authority needed to ensure that all business activities in approved establishments are included in approval documents.

File records showed that, apart from one establishment, inspections of approved establishments were generally thorough, risk-based and covered the relevant checks required by the regulations. Appropriate follow-up action had been taken after inspections, where necessary.

File checks on food and food premises complaints confirmed that investigations were generally thorough and appropriate follow-up action had been taken in all cases. Routine sampling from approved establishments was being undertaken in accordance with the authority’s sampling policy and procedures, and the authority had undertaken appropriate follow-up action on unsatisfactory food samples.

It was evident from discussions with officers, file and database record checks and the visit to an approved establishment that the authority was pro-active in providing advice and support to food business operators to assist them in complying with legal requirement.

The authority had established strong liaison arrangements with other local authorities and bodies to promote operational consistency and sharing of good practice. There was evidence of ongoing and routine home/originating authority liaison on food safety enforcement issues including food complaints, in accordance with the Home Authority Principle.

Internal monitoring arrangements covered the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the food law enforcement service. The auditors were advised that this was to be further developed.