What to do if.....
WHAT TO DO IF THE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER VISITS
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An Enforcement Officer may be an Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP often known as an EHO)or Technical Officer with additional skills in food safety. These Officers of the Council have the right to inspect the premises without giving notice.
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Do not panic. Many visits are routine and are meant to help you.
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Introduce the Enforcement Officer to the manager or person in charge.
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If you are very busy and/or short staffed, you can ask for them to come back at a better time. However, if they insist on carrying out the inspection you must let them in.
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Offer them a soft drink or tea/coffee. Ask why they have visited, where/what they want to see and if there is any paperwork or documents you will need to show them.
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Accompany the Enforcement Officer during the visit. Take a pen and paper; you might want to make notes about things pointed out to you.
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Do not be tempted to rush things and do not volunteer too much information! Answer the questions they have, truthfully.
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Show them any paperwork or documents they wish to see ie FS policy
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At the end of the visit ask them to summarise their findings. They may complete an inspection summary form and give you a copy. If you do not understand something, ask. It is part of their job to explain and ensure you know what is going on.
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Find out if they are going to come back: if so, when?
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Ask if they are going to take any other action: if so, what?
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Thank the Enforcement Officer for their visit, help, advice etc.
