Hampshire County Council

Executive Member, Policy & Resources Item 3

13 September 2007

Food Service Plan

Report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

1

Introduction

1.1

In September 2006, the Leader considered and approved the statutory Food Service Plan for 2006 -2007. The Plan has now been subjected to its annual review.

1.2

This report seeks approval to the updated 2007 -2008 Food Service Plan attached at Appendix 1 and confirms the action taken by the County Council during the foot and mouth disease outbreak in August 2007.

2

Background

2.1

Since 1 April 2001, all Food Authorities have been required to produce a Food Service Plan specifying its food law enforcement activities. The format of the plan is specified in a Food Standards Agency Framework Agreement on Local Authority Food Law Enforcement. The framework specifies that these plans should have member approval to ensure local transparency and accountability. Powers to enable the Agency to audit local authorities are contained in the Food Standards Act 1999.

2.2

Following the Best Value Review, the Food Service Plan was updated in 2003, to incorporate a number of improvements and is updated and reviewed annually by members.

2.3

The Food Service Plan has now been updated to incorporate new policies and systems developed as part of the Regulatory Services improvement plan.

3

Key Features of the Food Service Plan

3.1

The primary aim of the food standards team is to promote and enforce animal health & welfare and food & agriculture safety laws. Key features of the plan include:

3.2

Fully Integrated Service - the County Council delivers an integrated food enforcement system via a specialist team of Trading Standards Officers, Public Analysts, Food Scientists and Animal Health and Welfare Officers.

3.3

Targeted Inspections - (Food Safety and Food Hygiene) In order to enforce and promote food safety laws it is intended to inspect over 1,000 Hampshire Food Businesses. It is also intended to target a number of Primary Producers in relation to Food Hygiene. This is a new duty from this year which will incorporate growing crops and livestock. Food Hygiene is generally dealt with by the Environmental Health Departments of the District Councils but for Primary Producers this is the remit of the County Council and can link into work already being carried out by the Animal Health Officers when visiting farm premises. In line with `Hampton' principles any inspections will be risk based and designed to highlight quality control problems and to offer technical and legal advice to Hampshire businesses. The 159 high-risk food premises will be targeted. Enforcement action will only be taken as a last resort to deal with wilfully, non-compliant businesses.

3.4

FoodSmart - This is an innovative product designed to help students learn about healthy eating in a fun and interesting way. The aim of the FoodSmart pack is to provide information on general food legislation and healthy eating and nutrition to students aged 11-16 years (key stages 3 and 4). It is designed to assist students to better understand the composition and labelling of foodstuffs which will enable them to make healthier choices. The project also provides advice to students on nutritional issues, and suggests simple ways that fat, salt and sugar consumption can be reduced. FoodSmart is a complete educational pack for teachers, in terms of the comprehensive notes, and information and activity cards that can be used by the students which contain additional internet activities, and, most importantly, through the inclusion of lesson plans. This year a major initiative is underway to market this product to other Local Authorities who can purchase the pack and then use it in their own area.

3.5

Healthy Eating "Food - the choice is yours" will continue into its third year and will be updated to reflect recent changes. The campaign includes a dedicated website www.hants.gov.uk/food, distribution of healthy eating leaflets and nutrition cards.

3.6

Packaging - A major issue in relation to food products is the amount of packaging that is used in the supply chain. As part of the focused sampling carried out by the team specific work is going to be carried out in reviewing the packaging used. Every food sample will be examined to get an initial view on whether there may be excess packaging. This will be backed up with work already underway in advising Home Authority companies about their responsibilities in minimising the packaging used.

3.7

Focused Sampling - In 2006/7 over 2000 samples were tested of which 45% were unsatisfactory. Although most of these related to non-compliant labelling, the high failure rate shows the value of the targeted sampling programme. The 2007/8 target is 1500 samples. Although this target is lower than last year, a number of these samples will be directed at more in-depth analysis and research to ensure the composition of the foods sampled do not contain undeclared ingredients, contaminants or additives which could cause harm to the consumer.

3.8

Animal Health - Last year over 800 animal health visits were made which included visits to farms. The 2007/8 target for farm visits is 820. The threat of Avian Influenza continues to be high on the agenda and plans are being continually developed in conjunction with the Emergency Planning Officer. Two specific contingency plans, one for Avian Flu and one for Foot and Mouth have now been agreed and published under the umbrella of the Generic Notifiable Animal Diseases Contingency Plan. On 3^rd August 2007 an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth disease occurred in Surrey close to the Hampshire border and the aforementioned Contingency Plan was activated.. Appendix 2 is a summary of the actions undertaken by the County Council.

4

Conclusion

4.1

The updated Food Service Plan complies fully with the Food Standards Agency's Framework Agreement on Local Authority Food Law Enforcement. It also incorporates a number of improvements to enhance local outcomes, particularly relating to healthy eating and the production of animal feeds. This plan supports the policies of promoting good public health and reducing crime.

Recommendation

That the updated Food Service Plan at Appendix 1 be approved.

LINK(S) TO CORPORATE STRATEGY

Yes

No

Hampshire safer and more secure for all

x

Maximising well-being

x

Enhancing our quality of place

x