Food Law
Many of the various businesses within Stroud and the district are connected to the food industry in some way - from a restaurant, to a newsagent to a burger van.
Within the industry, there are various criteria that each establishment must fulfil, in order to prove a level of competency and to assist the customer in minimising risk, through building up a strong reputation. The key directive is The Food Safety Act 1990. This is a way of proving diligence, and protects both the customer and business from risk. In general, the food that you sell must be fit for human consumption and your premises must be clean and tidy.
Stroud District Council has a team of Environmental Health Officers who visit your business to offer help and assistance, and of course, to ensure that you are complying within the Act. For example, our officers may be able to spot something that you have missed, and help you to bring the problem back into line within the required standard. It is estimated that around five million people suffer from food poisoning in England and Wales each year, so it is the responsibility of the organisation to protect the health of your customers.
Visit Food Safety Act 1990 for more details
Our Staff in Environmental Health are always on hand to offer advice and support to businesses within the food industry (and any other for that matter!). Please feel free to drop them a line, using any one of the methods below:
Service Unit: Environmental Health
a: Environmental Health, Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 4UB.e: environmentalhealth@stroud.gov.uk
t: 01453 754471
Good Practice
The Food Standards Agency has issued a Good Hygiene Practice Guide for the food industry.
For additional information on the Food law this can be found on the Food Agency website.
There is a lot more information about food safety, and the issues surrounding the Act on the Foodlink website. This is suitable for both adults and children alike, and is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to start their own business or review existing practice.
