Introduction
This document has been produced as the result of a requirement of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in its Framework Agreement document on Local Authority Food Law Enforcement. It is also in response to the FSA Code of Practice on Food Law. The Agency recognises that effective routine sampling is an essential part of a well balanced enforcement service. It should feature in the Sampling Policy of all Food Authorities.
The policy received Council approval in 2002, and has been revised to take account of recent changes in food law. It sets out South Hams and West Devon Council's general approach to food sampling and that taken in more specific situations which are described within the document. It has been compiled in consultation with the PHE Laboratory in Porton who undertake food examination for the Council and also other food authorities in Devon.
This policy document is implemented and supported by various sampling procedures and an active programme of sampling adopted by the Council.
A copy of this food sampling policy is available free of charge from the Council's offices:
South Hams District Council
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
TQ9 5NE