Food Sampling

Richmondshire District Council may take food samples for the following reasons:

i. As part of a food poisoning or food contamination investigation.

ii. When an authorised officer has concerns about the safety of food because of the food handling/cooking/preparation practices and procedures observed during the inspection of food businesses.

iii. As part of a complaint investigation.

iv. As part of the controls exercised under the Home or Primary Authority Principle.

v. In order to verify process monitoring undertaken by a food manufacturer/processor and in particular in relation to approved/ licensed premises.

vi. As part of a national, regional or locally conducted survey organised by the Health Protection Agency, LACORS, the Food Standards Agency or Local Authority Food Liaison Group.

vii. In order to assess the microbiological quality of food that has been imported.

viii. In order to gather information to help prepare advice and guidance on food hygiene matters.

ix. As part of a routine programmed food hygiene inspection or in any other circumstances deemed appropriate by the specialist officer for Food Safety matters.

Further information can be found in the Food Sampling Policy.

Or contact the Environment Services staff by either e-mail: environment@richmondshire.gov.uk , by telephone 01748 829100 or by using our online Service Request and Comment form below.