2.1 Inter-authority Communication

2.1.1 Introduction

This section applies to areas of England where there are two tiers of local authority and each tier is a Competent Authority.

2.1.2 Single-tier Competent Authorities

Where the same officer is responsible for enforcement of both food hygiene and food standards matters in an establishment, or feed hygiene and animal welfare on farm, the officer should decide whether it is appropriate to cover both matters at a single visit, even though an intervention may not be due under one of the Competent Authority’s planned intervention programmes.

2.1.3 Two-tier Food Competent Authorities

See 2.1.1 of the Code

2.1.4 Service to Consumers

The division of enforcement responsibilities between District and County Council Competent Authorities in two areas may not be readily apparent to consumers.

Competent Authorities in these areas should therefore aim to provide their food law enforcement service that is, as far as consumers are concerned, as seamless, effective and accessible as possible.

2.1.5 Regional and Local Liaison Groups

See 2.1.4.1 of the Code.

The FSA’s Regional Team work closely with local and regional partners across the nine English regions to promote the delivery of key FSA priorities.