Food complaints

Often consumers purchase food that has in some way become contaminated, for example mould or a foreign body such as glass or an insect. If you have a complaint concerning food or drink that you have purchased you may complain to the Environmental Health team at Shepway District Council.

If you decide to contact the Environmental Health team concerning a problem with food the following information will be required in order to investigate your complaint:

• where the food was purchased
• the date and time of purchase (a receipt of possible)
• manufacturer details (always keep the packaging the food was in)
• how the food was stored following purchase to discovery of problem.

After discovering a problem with food you have purchased, store it in such a manner that it will not become further contaminated. Until the food has been passed to the Environmental Health team always keep the food in a freezer bag and store it in the fridge or freezer.

The Environmental Health team will carry out a thorough investigation of your complaint which may involve contacting the manufacturers of the product. This may result in legal/court proceedings being taken. Please note that if you return food to the premises you purchased it from and receive a refund it would be difficult for the Environmental Health team to investigate your complaint.

Shepway District Council does not investigate all complaints relating to food. Kent County Council, Trading Standards investigate complaints concerning food labelling, false descriptions or concerns regarding the quality of the food. Kent County Council Trading Standards can be contacted on 01622 221012 or www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/kent

If you have any concerns regarding food that you have purchased and require further information you can contact us by post, phone or email.