Issue - meetings

This report invites the Executive Member to approve the council’s Food Service Plan for the 2018-19 financial year, in accordance with the statutory requirements in the Food Law Code of Practice.

Resolved:  That the food service plan be approved.

Reason:     To ensure that the council has a plan to fulfil its obligations under the Food Law Code of Practice.

The Executive Member considered a report which sought approval for a Food Service Plan for 2018-19 (the Plan), in accordance with the statutory requirements contained in the Food Law Code of Practice.

The Plan, attached as Annex A to the report, set out the council’s aims and objectives for 2018/19, examining the demands placed upon the Public Protection team and the resources available to meet these, as well as reviewing performance over the past year.  It illustrated the effective use of resources to target the highest risk businesses, while maintaining a balanced enforcement mix.  The Executive Member was invited to approve the Plan (option a) or amend it (option b). Not approving a Plan (option c) would leave the council open to reputational risk and adverse publicity.

In response to questions from the Executive Member, officers confirmed that the backlog of food hygiene interventions from the previous service plan had been cleared and that exiting the EU could provide an opportunity to consider how the current inspection programme might be improved.  The Executive Member noted the key message that 100% of the highest risk premises had been inspected, with those that failed being prosecuted.  He thanked staff who had carried out this work and

Resolved:  That the food service plan be approved (option a).

Reason:     To ensure that the council has a plan to fulfil its obligations under the Food Law Code of Practice.