Food Safety - Enforcement

Our Food Safety Duties

We work to protect public health by enforcing food safety laws. Key activities include:

• Regular food law inspections (high-risk businesses are checked more often)
• Microbiological and chemical sampling, prioritising local products
• Investigating food complaints, allergic response, mislabelling, authenticity  and cases of food poisoning
• Providing advice and guidance to the public and businesses especially during inspections and at start up.  

Our Food Law Service Delivery Plan and Enforcement Policy

Food Law Service Delivery Plan and Enforcement Policy

What happens if a food business doesn’t meet hygiene standards?

Authorised officers take a graduated approach, starting with advice and written warnings and moving to enforcement notices formalising the need for improvements.

Can a business be forced to stop operating?

Yes. Some enforcement notices can restrict or prohibit parts of the business until standards are met.

What if the problem is serious?

Serious breaches may be reported for prosecution. This can lead to fines or, in extreme cases, a ban on running a food business.

Support is provide to local authorities- Food Standards Scotland. Support for local authorities

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