Food business inspections
All food businesses in the Brent are inspected on a regular basis to ensure that the food sold to the public is safe to consume. The frequency of these inspections depends upon the potential risk posed by the type of business and its previous record. Some premises might be inspected at least every six months, others less often.
These results are now published on the internet as part of the Scores on the doors program.
The purpose of an inspection is:
- to ensure that the food is being handled and produced hygienically
- to ensure that food is safe to eat
- to look at the potential risk for food poisoning or injury as a result of food consumed
- to ensure that the food handling staff are trained in food hygiene and handling
- to inspect the condition of equipment and the premsies
- to ensure there are precautions to prevent pest infestation
- to ensure that staff are aware of the importance of personal hygiene
Inspectors will look at the operation of a food business to identify potential hazards and to ensure they are following the law. If problems are identified during the inspection, inspectors can take enforcement action to protect the public. This can include:
- taking samples and photographs of food and inspecting business records;
- writing to the business owner informally, asking them to rectify any problems;
- serving an 'improvement notice' if the proprietor is breaking the law, which clearly states what the problem/offence is, what must be done to put it right and the time period for compliance. Failure to comply with the notice is an offence which will normally result in prosecution;
- serving an 'emergency prohibition notice' which forbids the use of premises or equipment;
- recommending a prosecution in serious cases.
If a prosecution is successful, the court may prohibit the business from using certain processes, premises or equipment, or the offender could be banned from managing a food business. It could also lead to a fine or imprisonment.
You can make a complaint about the hygiene of a food premises or an item of food you have bought in Brent by contacting this service.