Food Safety Inspections

Environmental Health Officers and Environmental Health Technical Officers have the right to enter and inspect premises at all reasonable times if they consider breaches of the law are taking place. We do not have to make an appointment and we will usually come without advance notice. This will enable us to make a reasonable assessment of the premises and practices. We may take samples and photographs and may also inspect your records. It is a serious offence to obstruct an officer in the course of his or her duty, however, in the case of residential premises you have the right to refuse entry unless twenty four hours notice has been given in writing.

Where officers have a reasonable suspicion that entry may be refused or that giving notice of entry would defeat the object of the exercise, they can apply to a Magistrate for a warrant to enter the premises using reasonable force if necessary.

You can always expect us to be courteous and we will always show you our identification. 

You are likely to meet Environmental Health Officers or Technical Officers in one of four ways:

1. During an inspection of your premises
2. When we are investigating a complaint
3. When you seek a licence from us
4. When you seek our advice or assistance

We will ask you to complete a customer satisfaction survey form.  It gives you the opportunity to tell us what you think and it helps us improve. Download one here.