Food sampling
Our food and safety team samples food and water from local food businesses for microbiological safety.
Once an officer has taken a sample and it is examined by a food examiner the results will be categorised in one of the following ways:
- satisfactory - means that any bacteria found were at acceptable levels
- borderline (acceptable) - there were higher than expected levels of bacteria. This indicates possible problems with food handling and or storage. The food business owner or manager must review systems of work to ensure that safe food is produced
- unsatisfactory - indicates problems with food handling and or storage. An urgent review of food handling procedures is required to ensure that food does not cause food poisoning
- potentially injurious to health and or unfit for human consumption - consumption of this food may cause illness. Immediate action is required
In both of these last instances a phone call and or follow up visit will be made to the premises by a member of the food team and a resample will be taken.