Council gets imported food controls at Heathrow
Thursday 27 April 2006
The London Borough of Hillingdon has been appointed as the single authority responsible for imported food controls at Heathrow Airport.
Heathrow lies within the boundaries of the London Borough of Hillingdon. Previously it shared responsibility for the controls with four other local authorities: the London Borough of Hounslow, Slough Borough Council, Spelthorne Borough Council and Surrey County Council.
‘The change will make it easier for traders to import as they will only have to deal with one local authority whichever part of the airport they use.’
Under the new system, Hillingdon Council will become responsible for carrying out all high-risk imports of non-animal origin. These checks will take place at transit sheds and remote transit sheds (RTS).
The other authorities will be responsible for carrying out routine checks only on low risk goods of non-animal origin at Enhanced Remote Transit Sheds (ERTS).
The move is designed to remove some of the existing complexities of using multiple enforcement authorities and improve public health controls in place for food safety. It follows an independent review of the administrative arrangements for imported food controls at Heathrow Airport.
Sarah Appleby, Head of the FSA's Imported Food Division, said: 'The Agency has been working closely with the importers and the local authorities for Heathrow to find a solution.
'We welcome Hillingdon's offer to become the single authority for imported food at the airport.
'The change will make it easier for traders to import as they will only have to deal with one local authority whichever part of the airport they use. It will also enable Hillingdon to have a fuller picture of all the food imported through the airport.'