Information on local authorities food sampling procedures
As well as undertaking food hygiene inspections officers undertake food sampling to ensure that the food which is produced is safe to eat. Wherever possible, food-sampling activities will include current national, regional and locally coordinated programmes as well as samples taken as a result of:
- complaints
- process monitoring
- inspections
- Investigations of foodbourne illness
- special investigations
- imported and exported foods
The Council also undertakes sampling of Shellfish and Seawater from classified beds to ensure that E.coli and toxin levels are within the permitted levels for the classification of bed.
It is a requirement that Local Authorities publish their general approach to sampling. A copy of this can be downloaded below.