Ballymoney

The Council had reviewed the authorisation of its officers, engaged in food law enforcement, subsequent to the coming into operation of the new Hygiene Regulations in January 2006. The revised officer authorisations were specific with regard to the Food Hygiene Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006, however, they were not in full accordance with the requirements of the Food Law Code of Practice (Northern Ireland).

The Council was in the process of revising its documented procedures relating to food law enforcement activities to reflect the requirements of the new Hygiene Regulations, however, procedures were not in place to cover the full range of enforcement activities.

The Council had developed and implemented a procedure for the approval of premises that require approval under Community Regulation (EC) 853/2004 and had conditionally approved the standalone coldstore in its area in accordance with the requirements of the Community Regulations and the Food Law Code of Practice (Northern Ireland), and associated Practice Guidance.

File records maintained by the Council in respect of the standalone coldstore were detailed in nature and contained the majority of the information recommended in the Food Law Practice Guidance (Northern Ireland).

A reality check conducted at the standalone coldstore in the Council�s area indicated that the decision to conditionally approve the premises was correct and the responsible officer had a sound understanding of the Food Business Operator�s food safety systems.