Food Safety and Hygiene

Food Laws updated and simplified from 1 January 2006

From 1 January 2006 a new set of regulations covering food safety came into force. They sweep away most of the existing food hygiene laws and replace them with a set that apply to businesses across the European Union (EU). These new rules are almost the same as those that they replace, which in turn were Europe-wide.

They greatly simplify the complex web of rules that affect food businesses across the EU. They are more focused on risk and less open to different standards of enforcement in other countries.

For help and advice either contact the Commercial Team or the Food Standards Agency.

This section contains information about:

• Food Sampling
• Private Water Supply Sampling
• Food Hygiene Courses
• Food Poisoning
• Unfit Food and Export Certificates
• Food Safety Advice
• Inspection of Food Premises and Food Complaints
• Food Safety Information for Businesses
  
  
  

Food Sampling
A regular programme of food sampling is carried out by the Commercial Team. We carry out sampling for 3 main reasons:

1. to contribute to national or regional surveys;
2. to monitor standards of food manufactured in North Norfolk;
3. as part of inspections or investigations.
   
   
   

Private Water Supply Sampling
North Norfolk District Council Commercial Team tests about 150 boreholes and wells annually, throughout the year. These are at both commercial and domestic properties. If you require any information, or would like a well or borehole tested for chemical or bacteriological parameters, please contact the Commercial Team who will be able to arrange a sampling appointment and quote the current prices. Tel: (01263) 516240 or 516008.



Food Hygiene Courses
North Norfolk District Council provides the CIEH accredited Foundation Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering. It replaces the Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene and will benefit anyone working in catering. Although it is aimed at anyone involved in food handling in catering many of the principles apply to any food business.

The courses are held at the Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer. For more information on the course please follow the link to the leaflet below or contact the Customer Services Team , Tel: (01263) 516189/516301. The next course will be held at the Council Offices on the following dates:

• Monday 19th May from 9.30am to 5.00pm
• Thursday 12th June from 9.30am to 5.00pm
• Thursday 3rd July from 9.30am to 5.00pm

Follow the link below to download an application form to attend a course. This should be returned with the appropriate fee or credit/debit card details to the Course Administrator at Environmental Health. Please fill in a new form for each person attending the course.

• CIEH Foundation Level 2 Award in Food Safety Course (PDF, 298KB)

Food Poisoning
All cases of food poisoning and some infectious diseases are investigated by the Commercial Team. Our officers can provide businesses and householders with information on how to prevent food poisoning. Contact the Commercial Team for more information on (01263) 516008, or visit the Health Protection Agency website.

Unfit Food and Export Certificates
Food Export Certificates are issued on request. Unfit Food Certificates are issued for consignments of unsatisfactory foods. Both of these services incur a charge. For further information contact the Commercial Team on (01263) 516008.

Inspection of Food Premises and Food Complaints
All food premises are inspected based on risk. The frequency of the visits depends on the number of food hazards and how they are controlled. The greater the number of hazards, and the less they are controlled, the greater the number of visits a business will received.

If you require advice on legal requirements, good practice for your business for your, or wish to make a complaint about a food business or foodstuff, contact the Commercial Team on (01263) 516008 or follow the link below to download a leaflet.
Information Sheet on Food Complaints (PDF, 32KB)

Registration of Food Businesses
All food businesses must be registered with their local authority at least 28 days before they open or change ownership. Registration is simple. Please follow the link below and print off the form. Fill it in and return it to this department.
Food Registration Form (PDF, 28KB)

Food Safety Information for Businesses
Follow the links below to download leaflets about "Ice for drinks", "Salads in catering premises" and "Guidelines for the safe production of cooked meats".

• Ice for Drinks (PDF, 87KB)
• Salads in Catering Premises (PDF, 36KB)
• Guidelines for the Safe Production of Cooked Meats (PDF, 75KB)