Our role
The role of the food safety team is to protect health by assuring the safe production, preparation and distribution and supply of food within the 1200 food premises in Guildford Borough and promoting the health of the population.  This is achieved by assisting businesses in complying with food safety legislation.

The purpose of an inspection
Whilst the primary responsibility for identifying food hazards and controlling risks rests with food business operators, food hygiene inspections undertaken by Guildford Borough Council's team of environmental health professionals serve the following purposes:

• To establish whether food is being handled and produced hygienically
• To establish whether food is, or will be having regard to further processing, safe to eat
• To identify foreseeable incidences of food poisoning or injury as a consequence of consumption of food.

We have the main responsibility for enforcing the provisions of the Food Safety Act 1990, and other relevant food safety legislation in all food premises located within the Borough.

Who will inspect your business
Environmental Health Officers have the right to enter and inspect food premises at all reasonable hours.  They do not have to make an appointment and they will usually come without advance notice.  Inspectors might come on a routine inspection, and how often this will be will depend upon the type of business and its previous record.  Some premises may be inspected at least every 6 months, others much less often.

What will the inspectors do when they visit?
The Inspector will look at the general operation of the business, identifying possible hazards and ensuring that it complies with the food safety laws.  We recognise that most businesses want to comply with the law and will therefore take care to help food businesses and others meet their legal obligations without unnecessary expense.  However inspectors do have powers which they can use when they think it necessary to do so, which includes the following:

• Take samples and photographs and inspect records
• Write to your informally, asking you to put right any problems
• Serve a Hygiene Improvement Notice for issues of non-compliance with the law, which will also outline the things to be done in order to comply
• Detain or seize suspect foods
• Serve a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice which forbids the use of premises or equipment. Note: this must be approved by a court.
• In serious cases, recommend a prosecution

What can you expect from the inspectors?

• A courteous manner
• To be shown identification
• Feedback from any inspections, such as information about hazards which have been identified and guidance on what you must do to comply with the law
• To be given the reasons in writing for any action you are asked to take
• Where there is an apparent breach of the law, a statement of what that law is
• Reasonable time to meet statutory requirements, except where there is an immediate risk to public health
• To be told the procedures for appealing against Local Authority action.

What can you do if you do not agree with the inspectors action?
If you do not agree with the action taken by an inspector, you should first contact the Head of Environmental Health and Licensing Services to see if the problem can be resolved informally.  If you are still unhappy with the outcome, you may approach your local Councillor.

If you think that your Local Authority is applying the law in a different way from other authorities you can seek advice from the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services website (this page opens in a new window).

You have the right to appeal against a Hygiene Improvement Notice or refusal by a Local Authority to lift a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition order, however this must be carried out in a Magistrates Court.

What happens if my practices are consistently good, and the inspector is confident that they will remain good?
Ultimately you will be inspected less frequently. However you may also be eligible for a food hygiene award. We actively support the nationally recognised Heartbeat Award. You are eligible to receive the award if you comply with the following criteria:

• Your eating areas are non-smoking
• All staff have received formal training to the level of the CIEH level 2 in food safety
• That the premises comply with relevant food safety legislation
• That you offer healthy food choices.

Can inspectors take food samples?
Yes, inspectors do have the power to take formal food samples, but they will on occasions take informal samples to check on the bacteriological condition of food.

If samples are taken, the officer will usually reimburse the cost.  It will be placed into a sterile bag and sealed to prevent tampering.  Most food items will then be placed into a cool box and sent to the Sussex and Surrey Environmental microbiology service for microbiological testing.

The food safety team do have a sampling programme in which they have committed to take 150 food samples a year from various premises within the borough.

Re-samples may be taken when unsatisfactory results are identified. Samples may also be taken as a result of receiving a complaint.

Guidance on the Regulations
The Department of Health website contains information on food safety for businesses, see the Food Standards Agency Website (this page opens in a new window).

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