Food hygiene prosecutions by Council

And it is warning local businesses who do not comply with legislation that they could be fined up to £1,000 by the courts.

During the past few weeks Council has successfully prosecuted two local businesses.

A local butcher was found guilty of two offences; the ‘Sale of food exceeding the permitted amount of preservative contrary to the Food Additives, flavourings, enzymes and extraction solvents Regulations (NI) 2013’ and for ‘Failure to adequately label meat products offered for sale contrary to the Food Labelling Regulations (NI) 1996’. A local retailer was also prosecuted on two counts for ‘Offering food for sale beyond the ‘Use By’ Date contrary to the General Food Regulations (NI) 2004 & EC Regulation 178/2002’.

Alexis Bloomfield, Council’s Senior Environmental Health Officer, said: “The Environmental Health Department at Council has a role to protect its residents by ensuring food safety and hygiene standards are being complied with by anyone selling food to the general public.

“Food safety and hygiene is essential for any establishment or individual selling food. The recent cases successfully brought to court by Council officers, highlight the need for food providers and customers to check ‘use by dates’.”

Customers are asked to report any concerns regarding food safety or standards to the Council’s Environmental Health Department for further investigation.

“I’d encourage anyone providing food to the public, anyone considering opening up a new business or existing businesses who are making changes to their premises or food offerings to contact Council’s Environmental Services Department for specific one to one advice.”

The Food Standards Agency have compiled a section on its website to aid businesses and help them comply with food hygiene and safety regulations, visit www.food.gov.uk for further information.

The website provides information to help businesses meet food safety and hygiene requirements as stipulated by legislation. It also benefits businesses to gain a better understanding of the necessity in keeping records regarding the food being sold on their premises.

For further advice or to report any concerns regarding food hygiene and/or safety, please contact the Environmental Health Department at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, telephone 7034 7171 or email [email protected]