Food and Agriculture

The team work closely with local food businesses and have powers under the Food Safety Act to inspect and sample food intended for human consumption. In addition, officers visit farms and small-holdings and are responsible for a wide range of legislation relating to animal feeds and fertilisers.

Food

We aim to ensure that:

• food is correctly described and labelled
• meets quality and compositional standards.
• manufacturers and retailers of food are regularly inspected.
• food is safe to eat from chemical contamination.

Sampling

Officers may carry out sampling projects as part of their routine visit. The sample is then analysed to check that it meets legal requirements If a premise is suspected of selling food past its use by date for example, officers may test purchase a product to determine whether a criminal offence has been committed.

The food team has also been involved with sampling projects in partnership with agencies such as the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Agriculture Feed Standards

We aim to ensure that:

• animal feed and fertilisers are of a satisfactory quality and safe for use.
• To prevent contamination of animal feeds thus reducing the risk of such contamination entering the food chain

Further information

Legislation.gov.uk
Provides full text of Acts of Parliament.

• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) 
  DEFRA works for the essentials of life - water, food, air, land, people, animals and plants

• Trading Standards Central

   A one stop shop for consumer protection information in the UK. Provides information for businesses and consumers.

• HM Revenue & Custom

   Provides information and advice for the public and for businesses.

• Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS)

   Working with businesses, employees and consumers to drive up UK productivity and competitiveness to deliver prosperity for all.

• Food Standards Agency (FSA)

   An independent food safety watchdog set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000 to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation to food.