Belfast

The Council had an effective risk based imported food control system through liaison arrangements with port operators, shipping agents, HM Customs and Excise and other interested parties. All declared manifests of imported food were being identified and checked.

An authorisation procedure had been developed and implemented for officers engaged in imported food enforcement, which included an assessment of officers' competence against their qualifications, training and experience. The Council's authorisation arrangements ensured that all officers were appropriately authorised.

The Service had adopted both formal and informal approaches to resolving imported food issues. Where formal action had been taken this was done in accordance with the relevant legislation and official guidance.

The Service had developed and implemented comprehensive documented procedures that covered all areas of imported food non products of animal origin work. An effective document control system was in place that ensured all internal procedures and reference materials were updated and available to all officers.

File records of imported food enforcement activities, held on paper, were exceptionally detailed, properly cross-referenced and well organised. All records were easily retrievable, provided full consignment traceability, contained details of all actions taken and provided an excellent basis for effective internal monitoring. Sampling records held on the database were accurate and complete.

A comprehensive internal monitoring procedure had been developed that covered all aspects of imported food activities. Implementation of this procedure had resulted in the provision of an effective service that meets both local and national objectives.