Food Standards Agency publishes local authority audit report for Cardiff
Tuesday 7 January 2003
Ref: WA01/03kc
The Food Standards Agency Wales has published an in-depth report on the food law enforcement services carried out by the City and County of Cardiff's Food Law Enforcement Service. The audit shows that the Authority was able to demonstrate a commitment to providing a comprehensive and balanced service.
The Authority's strengths included a comprehensive system of documented policies and procedures that were well maintained. It was able to demonstrate that it was able to carry out all types of enforcement activities in the two years preceding the audit, and was capable of exercising the full range of enforcement powers available under the Food Safety Act.
There was an extensive sampling programme, with results followed up thoroughly, and evidence of very proactive work in food safety promotion and giving advice to industry.
The lack of full and complete records sometimes prevented officers from demonstrating the effectiveness of their actions, and this was identified as an area for improvement following the audit. Accurate records are important for monitoring work, and essential for subsequent officers so that they can be aware of a premises' history and compliance.
A full overview of the audit findings is provided in the report executive summary. This is available below.
Notes to editors
Local authority audits are carried out as part of the Framework Agreement on local authority food law enforcement, which came into effect on 1 April 2001. Local authorities are audited against the Framework Agreement 'Standard' which sets out the full range of their food law enforcement activity.
The audits look at how local authority enforcement officers carry out their UK food law enforcement responsibilities. This gives the Agency an overview of the measures put in place by the local authority to protect local consumers and an opportunity to suggest what, if any, improvements are needed.
Copies of the report have also been placed in the Food Standards Agency Library, the libraries of both of the Houses of Parliament, the British Library and the Copyright Libraries
11th Floor, Southgate House,
Wood Street,
Cardiff CF10 1EW
Telephone: 02920 678916
Fax: 02920 678918/9
Email: caroline.kitson@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk