Our vision is to ensure that food in the South Hams is of the highest possible microbiological quality and is free from contamination. We have a statutory duty to ensure that the provisions of Food law are adequately enforced within the South Hams. Principally we deal with Food Safety matters which include Food Hygiene. Matters regarding food standards are dealt with by Devon County Council, Trading standards department.

The Council's Food Safety Service plan sets out our food safety enforcement function and seeks to ensure that national priorities and standards are addressed and delivered locally along with those needs identified by the Council. It examines key service delivery issues and sets objectives for the future click here to view our latest service plan.

Food Business Registration

The law requires that premises used in connection with a food business be registered with the local authority. (Food businesses include market stalls, delivery vehicles and mobile food vendors).

Registration helps Councils to keep an up-to-date list of food premises in their area.  There is no charge for registration.

You can download a Food Registration form here which you must fill in and return it to us at Follaton House, Plymouth Road, Totnes TQ9 5NE

This website can provide assistance on setting up food businesses, food hazard analysis, food labelling, food premises registration, regulation, food sampling, infectious diseases and enforcement.

If you have a complaint about an item of food, conditions in food premises or food poisoning please contact us as soon as possible. Where it is appropriate, we will investigate your complaint and provide you with details of our investigation. We will also ensure that the matter is taken up with the business concerned whether locally or nationally. If it is necessary to follow up matters formally, we will expect you to supply all relevant evidence to assist us. In the case of allegations of food poisoning we are likely to require stool specimens from patients. Complaints alleging illness from food consumption must be reported promptly to us. We have a policy for dealing with food complaints. Click here to view our policy.

We have a documented approach to enforcement of food safety laws. Click here to view our enforcement policy.

Contact Number : 01803 861234 Email Address: environmental.health@southhams.gov.uk