Code of Practice for England

Tuesday 17 June 2008

The Food Law Code of Practice and associated Practice Guidance for England is available.

The Code of Practice sets out instructions and criteria to which the local and port health authorities (food authorities) should have regard when engaged in the enforcement of food law. Food authorities must follow and implement the provisions of the code that apply to them. The Practice Guidance gives advice to enforcement officers on how best to apply the provisions laid down within the code.

There are separate but parallel Codes of Practice and Practice Guidance for each of the devolved authorities, in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Code of Practice for England has been revised to reflect the principles of better regulation and to reduce the administrative burdens on business and on local authorities, while maintaining standards of public health and consumer protection. A summary of the main changes can be found in the letter sent to food authorities in England. The letter can be found at the link below.

The Code of Practice and associated Practice Guidance, as well as relevant legislation and documents, can be found at the links below.

If you have any queries about the Code of Practice and/or Practice Guidance please contact:

Nathan Philippo
Local Authority Liaison Division
Room 411C, Aviation House
125 Kingsway
London, WC2B 6NH
tel: 020 7276 8503
email: nathan.philippo@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk.