4.1 Introduction – Qualifications and experience

This Chapter provides advice on the qualifications and experience required for officers undertaking official controls (food hygiene and food standards), including advice on assessing an officer’s competency for delivering official controls.

Competent Authorities need to satisfy themselves through appraisal and assessment procedures that an officer can provide demonstrable evidence that they meet the competency (knowledge and skills) requirements set out in Chapter 4 of the Food Law Code of Practice (the Code).

The competencies in the Code recognise that an officer’s authorisation can be broadened as the person gains experience and develops new competencies.