Food safety

There are in the region of 1000 food premises across the district, all of which have to be registered with Shepway District Council. The Council has a statutory duty to enforce food hygiene legislation within these premises in accordance with the Food Safety Act 1990 and the regulations made under it.

Officers from the Commercial team regularly visit food premises to ensure the safe production, preparation, distribution and supply of food. All premises are given a risk rating in accordance with Food Standards Agency guidance to determine the frequency of visits.

The officers spend time with proprietors of food businesses to discuss good hygiene practices and ensure that the proprietors understand the requirements of the Food Safety Act 1990.

If you are proposing to set up a food business, are an existing food business or a member of the public who has concerns regarding a food premise you can contact us by post, phone or email, for further information.  You can also report a food premises you have concerns about online.