Food Safety

Food Hygiene

Production and consumption of food in the twenty-first century is a complex process. Food production may occur in small-scale premises following traditional methods, in large factory units using engineering systems such as just-in-time deliveries and in all other combinations and scales between.

Control of the production and sale of food involves a number of agencies at international, national and local level. The Environmental Health Unit is responsible for the local enforcement of the Food Hygiene Laws.

Food Hygiene Legislation

Food hygiene laws introduced in January 2006 affects all food businesses, including caterers, primary producers (such as farmers), manufacturers, distributors and retailers. How the legislation affects you will depend on the size and type of your business. There are several other new EC Regulations, which apply directly to food businesses in the UK. You'll find more information about the new regulations, and what it means for different food industry sectors from the Food Standards Agency.

The Agency has recently published a new guidance document, The Food Safety Act 1990: a Guide for Food Businesses (287kb). This update takes into account the latest amendments to legislation and sets out the roles and responsibilities of businesses under the Act, as well as details of its enforcement.

Food Businesses are visited by Council officers to check that the food they supply is safe to eat. All food premises, including markets, are inspected to a national standard every six months to three years depending on risk. Inspectors of food premises will look at all aspects of food hygiene including cleanliness, how food is stored, hazard analysis, training and knowledge on food safety displayed by managers and staff and whether the design, construction and equipment levels of premises are suitable.

As well as receiving reports about things that might need improving, owners of businesses can get advice and information (1119kb) about how to handle food safely from the inspector. Please view the further information on opening a new food business. To register your food business please download an application form (30kb).

Food Safety Factsheets

Environmental Services have produced a number of food safety fact sheets that give advice and information on a range of food safety issues. To download any of these factsheets please click on the links below.

Bottled Gas - Good Gas, Good Business (PDF 761KB) Advice from the British Compressed Gases Association on how to avoid safety and hygiene problems with bottled gas in the drinks industry.

For any food related enquiry please do not hesitate to contact us.

Housing and Environmental Services
Newark and Sherwood District Council
Kelham Hall
Kelham
Newark
Notts
NG23 5QX

Telephone : 01636 655629 Fax : 01636 655626

Email : environmental.services@nsdc.info

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