Food Hygiene and the LawSince 1965 Food borne illness has increased, this could be due to :-• Changes in eating habits.• Greater reliance on reheated food.• Eating out becoming more popular.• More people aware of food hygiene, therefore more cases reported.

Everyone has to eat and drink to stay alive. That is why it is so important that our food does not harm us in any way. People who work in the food industry have a special responsibility for safeguarding the health of their customers. They must assure that the foods they are involved with does not cause illness, injury or any other problems.

There are many laws regulating the food industry :- The Food Hygiene (General)

Regulations 2006 The regulations lay down minimum requirements for :-

• Food Production- farming Market gardening, fishing

• Food processing- factories, bakeries restaurants, cafes, pubs, aircraft , small home businesses.

• Food storage- refrigeration unit ,warehouse, shops

• Food Distribution – transport, shipping, ice cream & fish & chip vendors

• Food retail – shops, markets bars, school & community functions

The Food Safety Act 2006This Act covers the entire food chain

from farmer to factories to restaurants to shops .fundraising events

The regulations make it an offence to • Sell food which does not meet

food safety requirements• Sell food that is unfit to eat• Deliberately make food harmful

by adding or removing something.

• Sell food which is not of the nature substance or quality demanded by the purchaser ( must be exactly as described & of good quality)

• Mislead consumers deliberately by giving a false or exaggerated description of the food

Enforcement of Food Legislation Most countries have food inspectors who are very helpful in giving

advise and assistance to food businesses as well as ensuring that they obey the law.

In Britain the inspectors are usually Environmental Health Officers (EHOS) and they usually have the power to :-

• Enter the food premises and investigate any possible offences.• Take away suspect food and have it condemned if it is unsafe.• Take companies to court for breaking food safety laws.• Food handlers should co-operate with food inspectors as it may be

an offence to obstruct their enquiries.

Trading standards officers who deal with food labelling, composition & chemical contamination.

The regulation also require food businesses to:• Register with local authorities so t.hey can be inspected• Train people who are responsible for handling food in food hygiene• Follow careful procedures for storing, preparing, serving & keep

temperature records• Make sure people who handle food follow basic hygiene rules

Food Safety Law Penalties

Breaking the food safety laws can result in :-• A Fine• A Prison Sentence• Closure of the Business• A Criminal Record.

Hygiene Offences have a maximum £5000 fine per offence and/or 6 months imprisonment.

Food Safety Offences have a maximum £20000 fine per offence and/or 6 months imprisonment.