Food sampling policy

1. Introduction

1.1 Food sampling is an important activity which plays a key part in the protection of public health and food safety within the borough of Tamworth. It helps provide useful information on the microbiological safety of foods stored, prepared, served or otherwise handled within food businesses operating in the area which in turn feeds into intelligence driving planned enforcement and educational programmes.

1.2 This policy sets out the Council's general approach to food sampling and how it is to be interpreted for specific situations such as inspections, complaints, primary authority, regional sampling programmes etc.

1.3 Specific annual sampling priorities are prepared each year in consultation with the Central England Food Liaison Group (North). The group includes representation from Staffordshire, Shropshire and other Midlands local food authorities in addition to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

2.1 We will ensure that food is inspected and sampled in accordance with relevant legislation, the Food Law Code of Practice, Food Law Practice Guidance and other specifically issued guidance to ensure it meets food safety requirements.

2.2 We will aim to plan and undertake a varied, balanced and relevant annual sampling programme each year. The following elements will make up the sampling programme.

2. General Principles

2.1 We will ensure that food is inspected and sampled in accordance with relevant legislation, the Food Law Code of Practice, Food Law Practice Guidance and other specifically issued guidance to ensure it meets food safety requirements.

2.2 We will aim to plan and undertake a varied, balanced and relevant annual sampling programme each year. The following elements will make up the sampling programme.

  • Sampling used where appropriate as part of the Councils routine food safety intervention programme to help evaluate issues including temperature control, food handling and processing practices in relation to hazard analysis requirements
  • Sampling to participate and support voluntary coordinated local and national sampling programmes
  • Sampling as required by the Food Standards Agency
  • Sampling used to assist in the determination of a course of action where deficiencies in practices are noted within a food business
  • Sampling used to support the investigation of a suspected food poisoning outbreak and other similar contamination issues
  • Ad hoc sampling submitted to a Public Analyst as required
  • Ad hoc sampling in relation to specific events where either a specific risk is identified or where it is necessary to determine the safety of food and water supplies
  • Samples taken on request by businesses who wish to export food and require an export certificate
  • Process monitoring sampling in respect of premises which are approved under product specific legislation
  • Sampling in accordance with any primary authority advice
  • Imported food sampled in accordance with the Food Law Code of Practice and Practice Guidance.

3. Arrangements for Implementation

3.1 We will ensure that all samples are procured by suitably qualified, experienced and authorised Officers. Officers will have received proper training in sampling techniques and be supplied with appropriate equipment.
3.2 In general we will procure samples from food businesses by purchasing them. Food business operators will be notified at the point of sampling that a sample has been taken and provided with suitable contact details and receipt if required.
3.3 In the interests of minimizing disruption to businesses we will where possible combine visits for sampling purposes with other visits such as routine food safety inspections. This will not always be possible or appropriate.
3.4 Food samples taken for examination will be submitted for microbiological analysis to UKHSA’s laboratory in London (accredited under UKAS for appropriate microbiological examination of food). Food samples submitted for other types of analysis such as chemical composition will be submitted to appropriately UKAS accredited Public Analysts or to appropriately accredited laboratories depending on what type of sample is taken.
3.5 Where samples are taken from a food business, we will notify the appropriate food business operator of the results. Where the sample results are unsatisfactory or borderline officers will attempt to contact the food business operator as a matter of urgency. Satisfactory sample results will be notified to food business operators either via follow up correspondence, email or telephone call.
3.6 Where an unsatisfactory or borderline sample result is discovered we will, in consultation with the laboratory, issue appropriate advice to the affected business and undertake a resample of the relevant item.
3.7 Appropriate enforcement action may be taken in accordance with our Enforcement Policy where unsatisfactory results are received
3.8 Where sample results indicate a problem or hazard with food that has originated from another local authority’s area, the relevant local authority will be informed as soon as is possible. Due consideration will be given to any home or primary authority partnership arrangements which are in place.
3.9 Any sample results which indicate a problem or hazard regarding imported food will be reported to the Food Standards Agency.
4.1 Food sampling activities will be carried out by Officers from the Environmental Health Department. Tamworth BC are committed to providing the resources necessary to ensure that the food sampling programme is carried out each year.
4.2 Sampling credit allocations from UKHSA will finance most microbiological food sampling undertaken. Any additional or ancillary microbiological sampling will be provided from

4. Resources 

4.1 Food sampling activities will be carried out by Officers from the Environmental Health Department. Tamworth BC are committed to providing the resources necessary to ensure that the food sampling programme is carried out each year.
4.2 Sampling credit allocations from UKHSA will finance most microbiological food sampling undertaken. Any additional or ancillary microbiological sampling will be provided from the Environmental Health Department’s budget or in the case of sampling for export certificates, the cost will be included in the cost of the certificate.

5. Food Sampling Programme

5.1 Each year Tamworth BC will develop a sampling programme, as required by the Food Law Code of Practice. When developing the programme, we will ensure it will be delivered with existing resources, and have regard to:

  • previous years’ sampling results
  • local businesses that either manufacture or retail high risk products
  • food complaints
  • national or regional campaigns or issues

6. Policy Review

6.1 To ensure this policy remains current and up to date it shall be subject to full review and revision once every 3 years or following any significant changes to legislation, practice or procedure.