The Food Safety Team

Food safety is enforced by the Public Protection Team, which is part of Port Health and Public Protection. As well as food safety the Public Protection Team also looks at workplace health and safety (within certain types of premises), port health, and infectious disease.

What does the team do?

• Investigate food complaints and complaints regarding cleanliness/hygiene in food businesses.
• Undertake the investigation of food poisoning cases/outbreaks and instances of food borne/water borne illness.
• Carry out routine food safety inspections and rate businesses under the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.
• Carry out food sampling, in line with local and national priorities
• Give advice to people setting up new food businesses, including those run from home.
• Keep an up to date register of food businesses within the district.
• Approve food manufacturers and issue approval certification.
• Advise food businesses regarding new legislation and changes to legislation/guidance.
• Respond to food alerts issued by the Government.
• Enforce relevant Port Health controls
• Promote good food safety practices.

What can't we do?

• Take action in relation to food businesses that are not within the district. If your enquiry is regarding a premises person or food purchased outside of the district please contact the relevant Local Authority.
• Provide advice on matters relating to Trading Standards for example on labelling. These should be directed to Kent Trading Standards.
• Deal with complaints regarding poor customer service or food quality
• Demand compensation or apologies from businesses or take enforcement action on your behalf.
• Investigate anonymous complaints. We review all complaints we receive however we are mindful of potentially malicious complaints and some complaints cannot be properly investigated without officers obtaining further information. Therefore we ask for contact details of the complainant. Rest assured that any contact details you give to us remain completely confidential.
• Insist on businesses taking action that does not form part of food safety legislation.

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