Appealing Food Safety Inspections Decisions in the UK
Local Authority Complaints Procedure
Every decision made by a food inspector can be appealed. According to the Food Standards Agency:
- Every local authority must have a formal procedure to handle complaints about its service.
- If you disagree with an inspector's action, contact the head of environmental health or trading standards services at your local authority.
- If unresolved, escalate the issue to your local councillor.
Further Appeal Options
If dissatisfied with the local authority's complaints process, you can:
- Contact your local government or public services ombudsman:
- England: Local Government Ombudsman
- Scotland: Public Services Ombudsman
- Wales: Public Services Ombudsman
- Northern Ireland: Ombudsman
- Appeal to the magistrates’ court or a Sheriff in Scotland regarding:
- Hygiene improvement notices
- Remedial notices
- Hygiene emergency prohibition orders
- A ban on premises, processes, or equipment can only be lifted by the court.
Court Procedures for Hygiene Notices and Seizures
Important court procedures to note:
- Inspectors must seek court confirmation for hygiene emergency prohibition notices within a specified period.
- Food seized by an inspector can only be condemned as unfit for human consumption by a Justice of the Peace or a Sheriff.
- You have the right to attend the court hearing, and if decisions are deemed improper, you may be entitled to compensation.
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