Food alerts are a system for warning the public and local enforcement authorities to national or regional problems concerning food which fails to comply with food safety requirements or involves compositional problems.

Where a problem has occurred food is normally withdrawn through voluntary action of the food companies.  The local authority acts on advise via the Food Standards Agency to ensure that this takes place and food is withdrawn by communicating with the suppliers, wholesalers, retailers as necessary and with the general public in the form of a press release, local radio or information displayed in store at the point of sale for the particular product.  Enforcement action is available where companies do not comply with the voluntary withdrawal procedure.

Food alerts are also published on the Food Standards Agency website (this page opens in a new window).

Please contact Environmental Health and Licensing Services for more information: 

Environmental Health and Licensing Services    
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey 
GU2 4BB

Tel:  01483 444371
Fax: 01483 444546
Email: environmentalhealth@guildford.gov.uk