We inspect many types of food businesses periodically to check compliance with food laws, however, in some circumstances councils are allowed to carry out an intervention with a premises that does not require an inspection.
Instead, the council can implement an Alternative Enforcement Strategy for low risk businesses, and we can take other steps, such as a self-assessment questionnaire, to review the food safety controls in place at a business.
Examples of types of businesses that are typically considered to be low risk are:
- Chemists selling sweets, baby food, slimming products, etc.
- Public houses that only sell drinks and packaged snacks
- Newsagents that only sell low risk foods -sweets and wrapped food items
- Retailers, including off-licences, selling packaged food or raw meat only.
- Some food businesses operating from domestic premises such as cake bakers
- Sports and social clubs that only sell drinks and confectionery
- Some larger retailers and caterers that have been previously inspected and have a track record of very good food safety standards in place may also fall into this category. For these businesses, the council can alternate between a physical inspection and a self-assessment questionnaire.
All new food businesses, including if there is a change of ownership, will require a physical inspection to start with in order to determine whether it is classed as low risk. A physical inspection can still be carried out following the return of a questionnaire depending on what information is provided.
If you are a low risk business and you are requested to complete a self-assessment questionnaire it is important this is completed accurately and returned to the Local Authority within the timescale requested. Options for returning a questionnaire will be detailed in the letter accompanying the form.
Read our frequently asked questions about our Alternative Enforcement Strategy