Will my food premises need to be registered?

Yes. Permanent food premises will be required to register their premises including those where vehicles are used for selling or transporting food. Registration must be made 4 weeks prior to opening to allow Food Safety Officers to inspect premises and to other advice on Food Safety. Any mobile food traders should also contact the Licensing section.

Why do you need to inspect my Food Premises?

Any business that produces or prepares food for the public is inspected by the Councils Food Safety Offices to make sure:-

• The food is safe for consumption.
• The description of the food is not misleading to the customer.
• All inspections made by the Council enforce the Food Hygiene (Wales) Regulations 2006.

When will my business be inspected?

The Councils Food Officers will inspect your premises either during a routine inspection or because of public complaint. The officers have the right to enter and inspect food premises at all reasonable hours and are allowed to arrive without notice or appointment.

What will the inspectors do when they visit?

Primarily the Officers will examine how you operate your business in relation to Food Safety Law and will identify any potential hazards within the food premises.

On inspection the Officers will complete a Risk Assessment Form, which will indicate areas for improvement and good practise.

If you are asked to take any action as a result of the inspection, you will be given the reasons in writing, and if a law is broken under the Food Hygiene (Wales) Regulations 2006 then you will be told and advised how to comply.

Can the Inspectors take further action?

If the officers think it necessary due to an immediate risk to public health, they can take enforcement action. This includes the following procedures:-

• To take food samples, and photographs.
• To detain, condemn seize suspect foods.
• To inspect any files, documents or records within your business for analysis.
• To inform you in writing, highlighting the problems that need to be rectified.
• To serve an Improvement Notice if you are not complying with the Food Hygiene (Wales) Regulations 2006.
• To serve an Emergency Prohibition Notice which will prohibit the use of the food premises or equipment.
• To recommend prosecution.

Will I need training in Food Hygiene?

Yes. You should be trained to a suitable level for your work activity. All employees should be trained to a suitable level for their work activity. Under the Food Hygiene (Wales) Regulations 2006, the person responsible for developing and maintaining the food safety procedures must have received adequate training. To download a list of training providers please see below.