food standards agency in scotland report on the audit of local

Food Standards Agency in Scotland

Report on the Audit of

Local Authority Delivery of

Official Controls on Imported Feed

Not of Animal Origin

The Moray Council

16 - 17 March 2011

“Restricted – Draft”

Imported Feed/784/07 April 2011 1

Foreword

Audits of Local Authorities’ feed and food law enforcement services are part of the Food Standards Agency’s arrangements to improve consumer protection and confidence in relation to food. These arrangements recognise that the enforcement of UK food law relating to food safety, hygiene, composition, labelling, imported food and feeding stuffs is largely the responsibility of local authorities. These Local Authority regulatory functions are principally delivered through their Environmental Health and Trading Standards Services. The Agency’s website contains enforcement activity data for all UK Local Authorities and can be found at: www.food.gov.uk/enforcement/auditandmonitoring. This programme of focused audits has been specifically developed to address two of the priorities identified in the Food Standard Agency’s Strategy for 2010-2015 in meeting the outcomes that feed meets the legislative requirements for animal consumption and is safe to enter the human food chain and that enforcement is effective, consistent, risk-based and proportionate and is focussed on improving public health. The strategic priority is to ensure risk-based, targeted checks at ports and effective Local Authority monitoring of imports throughout the feed chain.

The audits examined Port Health Authority (PHA) and Local Authority (LA) systems and procedures for control of imported feed and where relevant inland imported feed, at ports of entry (sea and air) and at inland authorities, in 10 geographically representative PHAs and LAs in Great Britain. The audits were confined to feed not of animal origin (FNAO). As part of the programme, meetings have been organised with 4 additional Local Authorities to further establish whether appropriate imported feed checks and liaison between ports and inland Local Authorities are being undertaken. Agency audits assess Local Authorities conformance against (‘’The Standard”), which was published by the Agency as part of the Framework Agreement on Official Feed and Food Controls by Local Authorities (amended April 2010) and is available on the Agency’s website at: http://www.food.gov.uk/enforcement/enforcework/frameagree/ It should be acknowledged that there will be considerable diversity in the way and manner in which Local Authorities may provide their feed enforcement services reflecting local needs and priorities. The main aim of the audit scheme is to maintain and improve consumer protection and confidence by ensuring that local authorities are providing an effective feed law enforcement service. The scheme also provides the opportunity to identify and disseminate good practice and provide information to inform Agency policy on feeding stuffs. Parallel Local Authority audit schemes are implemented by the Agency’s offices in all devolved countries comprising the UK. For assistance, a glossary of technical terms used within the audit report can be found at Annexe C.

http://www.food.gov.uk/enforcement/enforcework/frameagree/



CONTENTS Page

1.0 Introduction 3

Reason for the Audit 3

Scope of the Audit 3

Background 4

2.0 Executive Summary 5

3.0 Audit Findings 6

3.1 Organisation and Management 6

Strategic Framework, Policy and Service Planning 6

Documented Policies and Procedures 7

Authorised Officers 7

Facilities and Equipment Including Verification Visit 8

Liaison with Other Organisations 8

3.2 Imported Feed Control Activities 9

Feed Inspection and Sampling 9

Enforcement 10

Feed Complaints, Primary Authority Scheme and Home Authority Principle

10

Feed Safety Incidents 10

Advice to Business 10

3.3 Internal Monitoring and Third Party or Peer Review 11

Internal Monitoring 11

Records 11

Third Party or Peer Review 12

Annexe A - Action Plan for The Moray Council 13

Annexe B – Audit Approach/Methodology 15

Annexe C – Glossary 16



1.0 Introduction 1.1 This report records the results of an audit at The Moray Council with regard

to feed law enforcement, under relevant headings of the Food Standards Agency Feed and Food Law Enforcement Standard. The audit focused on the Authority’s arrangements for controls of imported feed of non-animal origin at any ports in the area and at inland feed businesses. The audit was undertaken as part of the Agency’s focused audit programme of Local Authority imported feed and, where appropriate, inland imported feed controls. The report has been made publicly available on the Agency’s website at: www.food.gov.uk/enforcement/auditandmonitoring/auditreports.

Reason for the Audit 1.2 The power to set standards, monitor and audit Local Authority feed and food

law enforcement services was conferred on the Food Standards Agency by the Food Standards Act 1999 and the Official Feed and Food Controls (Scotland) Regulations 2009. This audit was undertaken under section 12(4) of the Act and regulation 7 of the Regulations as part of the Food Standards Agency’s annual audit programme. Regulation (EC) No. 882/2004 on official controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law includes a requirement for competent authorities to carry out internal audits or to have external audits carried out. The purpose of these audits is to verify whether official controls relating to feed and food law are effectively implemented. To fulfil this requirement, the Food Standards Agency, as the central competent authority for feed and food law in the UK has established external audit arrangements. In developing these, the Agency has taken account of the European Commission guidelines laying down criteria for the conduct of audits.1

1.3 The Moray Council was included in the Food Standards Agency’s

programme of audits of Local Authority feed law enforcement services to be representative of a geographical mix of 14 Port Health Authorities and Local Authorities selected across Great Britain.

Scope of the Audit 1.4 The audit examined The Moray Council’s arrangements for imported feed

controls in respect of imported feed not of animal origin (FNAO). Products of animal origin (POAO) are subject to veterinary control checks and separate auditing regimes.

1.5 The audit scope included the assessment of local arrangements for service

planning, delivery and review, provision and adequacy of Officer training on imports and authorisations, implementation and effectiveness of imported feed control activities, including inspection, sampling and enforcement. Maintenance and management of appropriate records in relation to imports

1 Commission Decision of 29 September 2006 setting out the guidelines laying down criteria for the

conduct of audits under Regulation (EC) No. 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on official controls to verify compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rules (2006/677/EC)

http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk/industry/report_foodlaw1stpg.htm



activity at the port and internal service monitoring arrangements were also covered.

1.6 The on-site element of the audit took place at the Authority’s offices at 232

High Street Elgin on 16 - 17 March 2011. The audit included a reality check to assess the effectiveness of official controls implemented by the Authority at a port and, more specifically, the checks carried out by the Authority’s Officers to verify compliance with imported feed law requirements.

1.7 The audit also afforded the opportunity for discussion with Officers involved

in imported feed law enforcement with the aim of exploring key issues and gaining opinions to inform Agency policy. A set of structured questions were used as the basis for discussions which sought views and information on areas related to imported feed controls such as:

service planning and the strategic framework of controls

training and support

criteria used to determine the level of checks

issues affecting the imported feed control programme

sampling, surveillance and enforcement approaches. 1.8 The information gained during interviews will be incorporated into a summary

report on the imported feed inspection and control activities audit programme.

Background 1.9 The Moray Council lies in the North East of Scotland between Highland

Council to the west and Aberdeenshire Council to the East. Its area of 2,238 square kilometers (864 square miles) makes it the 8th largest geographical Council area in Scotland. The area is mostly rural, comprising 70% open countryside and a further 25% of woodland. There is a population of 86,750.

1.10 There are approximately 400 registered feed business establishments within

the Moray area and no approved establishments. The registered establishments vary from small on farm businesses to transporters and large feed product producers such as distilleries.

1.11 There is one harbour within the Authority area, (at Buckie), that is capable of

receiving feed that may originate from third countries. However it is currently not a first point of entry as feed usually arrives at the harbour from Rotterdam which is the first point of entry into the EU and then trans-shipped to Buckie.

1.12 The port did not have the status of a designated point of entry (DPE) for

certain high risk food and feed products.



2.0 Executive Summary

2.1 The Authority has a Trading Standards Business Plan in place for 2010/2011 that sets out the aims and objectives which underlines the work of the Service. This plan does not provide specific detail with regard to the delivery of official controls in relation to feed. This Plan has not been approved.

2.2 The Authority has currently one authorised Officer available to carry out

official controls under feed law. Qualification and training records demonstrate that this Officer is appropriately qualified and was receiving continuing development training in accordance with the Feed Law Enforcement Code of Practice.

2.3 Inspections of imported feed businesses are not being conducted at the

minimum frequencies required by the Feed Law Enforcement Code of Practice.

2.4 The record examined relating to official controls under Regulation EC No.

183/2005 did not demonstrate that the inspection had assessed compliance with all aspects of relevant legislation as the wrong form had been used.

2.5 Sampling policies, procedures and programmes for feeding stuffs have been

developed and are being implemented. 2.6 The Authority does not have an internal monitoring procedure in place in

relation to feed; however the Authority acknowledges that monitoring procedures in relation to feed need to be further developed and implemented.



3.0 Audit Findings 3.1 Organisation and Management

Strategic Framework, Policy and Service Planning 3.1.1 The Authority has a Trading Standards Business Plan in place for 2010/2011

that sets out the aims and objectives which underline the work of the Service. This plan does not provide specific detail with regard to the delivery of official controls in relation to feed, however the Core Service activities detailed in the Trading Standards Business Plan include business inspection to ensure legal compliance and undertaking sampling activities including animal feed. The Plan is not approved.

3.1.2 Within the Trading Standards Service Business Plan 2010-2011 the Trading

Standards Management Team Plan states that the Service will carry out an animal food and feed project.

3.1.3 There is a Feed Law Enforcement Procedure which covers many of the

elements required by the Service Planning Guidance in the Framework Agreement; however this procedural document is not reviewed on an annual basis nor is it approved. The Service Plan should be used to state the statutory requirements of the legislation, the operational demands on the service and any resource issues which may affect the delivery of official controls for feed.

3.1.4 The auditors discussed the benefits of further developing the Service Plan to

include imported feed monitoring arrangements at the port and highlight the potential demands on the Service.

Recommendation 3.1.5 The Authority should:

Further develop the Service Delivery Plan and ensure that it covers all areas of the Service Planning Guidance in the Framework Agreement, including the monitoring, inspection and enforcement arrangements for imported feeds. The plan should be approved at the relevant level to help ensure local transparency and accountability and to show the contribution to the Authority’s corporate plan. [The Standard - 3.1]



Documented Policies and Procedures 3.1.6 The Trading Standards Service has a quality manual in place which details

the main processes. It comprises of a main manual with common procedures and three sub manuals with specific guidance, one of which is the Enforcement and Compliance manual which includes feed law. This section had recently been updated and expanded and is now titled Feed Law Enforcement Procedures. This document provides comprehensive guidance for enforcement Officers. A specific section on imported feed materials is included within this document.

3.1.7 The Principal Trading Standards Officer is responsible for document control

and Officers have access to the current versions of documents on the shared drive.

Authorised Officers 3.1.8 The Authority’s scheme of delegation has recently been updated. It allows

for all Officers to be authorised for feed enforcement work; however these Officers are only allowed to carry out the function if they are considered competent.

3.1.9 The procedure for authorisation and development is contained within the

Feed Law Enforcement Procedure and Officer competence is assessed against the Feed Law Enforcement Code of Practice.

3.1.10 There is currently only one Officer considered competent to carry out Feed

official controls. This Officer is also the designated Lead Officer for Feed, however does not have any managerial responsibility as this falls to the Trading Standards Manager.

3.1.11 The Lead Officer has completed the minimum 10 hours of feed related

training based on Continuing Professional Development in accordance with the Feed Law Enforcement Code of Practice.

3.1.12 Evidence of qualifications and training certificates were retained by the

Authority. 3.1.13 Officers receive a yearly performance review where training needs are

discussed.


Expand the authorisation procedure to include reference to authorisation of Officers based on their competence in accordance with Feed Law Enforcement Code of Practice and any centrally issued Guidance.

[The Standard – 5.1]



Facilities and Equipment Including Verification Visit 3.1.15 The Authority has an electronic database for the recording of feed

inspections and relevant information with regard to feed businesses. 3.1.16 Sampling activity is entered onto the Authorities database and to UKFSS.

The Authority provides the Agency with yearly feed law enforcement statistics.

3.1.17 Officers check for anomalies in the information contained in the database

during the course of their routine work. 3.1.18 The Authority has facilities and equipment in place for the sampling of

imported feedstuffs. This equipment is maintained in a good condition and retained in a separate storage facility.

3.1.19 An interview was held with the Officer before the verification visit took place

to confirm the contents of the file records and to explain the format and objectives of the visit. It also gave the Officer the opportunity to explain the inspection process, i.e. the preparatory work carried out prior to an inspection and the general process while on site, which included a preliminary interview with the Feed Business Operator (FBO), the general hygiene checks to verify compliance with the structure and hygiene practice requirements and checks carried out to verify compliance with HACCP principles.

3.1.20 During the reality check at the harbour the Lead Officer explained the

process that would be followed during an imported feed inspection. This included facilities and equipment, personnel, production, storage and transport and records. It was clear that there is a good working relationship between the Feed Business Operator and the Officer.

Liaison with Other Organisations

3.1.21 The Authority had extensive liaison arrangements with central government, other enforcement bodies, professional organisations and other external stakeholders. The Authority is a member of the North of Scotland Quality Group. Feed (specifically sampling) is discussed at this group.

3.1.22 The Authority have regular contact with the harbour master to discuss the

current arrangements and potential changes in port activity in relation to imported feed. These discussions are not documented. The Authority is however advised of every consignment of feed that arrives at the harbour.

Recommendation

3.1.23 The Authority should:

Formalise liaison arrangements with the Harbour Master and the store operator to further enhance the effectiveness of the monitoring arrangements in relation to imported feed controls.

[The Standard - 18.1]



3.2 Imported Feed Control Activities Feed Inspection and Sampling

3.2.1 There are no approved feed business establishments and approximately 400 registered feed establishments within the Authority’s area. As far as the Authority is aware, none of these businesses are in receipt of imported feed. Businesses are risk rated in accordance with the Feed Law Enforcement Code of Practice.

3.2.2 Inspection procedures are contained within the Feed Law Enforcement

Procedures document. Aides memoire are also place for the inspection of feed businesses.

3.2.3 The procedure details frequency of inspections, and advises that the

frequency of controls shall be regular and proportionate to the risk. The Authority have taken the decision to move to a more intelligence led regime and to facilitate this, 50% of those premises due for inspection in the year will be visited on a planned basis during that year, effectively resulting in a 24 months interval for High Risk and 48 month interval for Medium Risk premises. This is not in accordance with the inspection frequency detailed in the Feed Law Enforcement Code of Practice. The Authority advised that they had taken the decision to carry out a more project based, intelligence led regime rather than planned work.

3.2.4 The file for the feed storage facility at the harbour was checked; this

business is rated as high risk. Inspections had not been carried out at the appropriate frequency, however samples of feed have been taken on a frequent basis.

3.2.5 The Feed Law Enforcement Procedures document includes a section on

sampling, containing the scope, background (effectively the policy) and the detailed procedure.

3.2.6 The Authority has a sampling plan in place and sampling of imported feed is

in addition to the sampling plan. The Authority is advised by the Harbour Master of the arrival of all consignments of feed; a decision whether to sample is then taken on a risk basis.

3.2.7 Records of five recent imported feed samples were checked; all were

informal and had satisfactory results. Results were on file for all of these samples.

Recommendation

3.2.8 The Authority should:

Ensure that feed inspections are carried out at a frequency which is not less than that determined under the inspection rating scheme set out in the Feed Law Enforcement Code of Practice or other centrally issued guidance.




Enforcement

3.2.9 The Authority had a general Trading Standards Enforcement Policy in place which was approved by the Environmental Services Committee in January 2007. The Authority advised that the policy was due to be updated.

3.2.10 Supporting procedures including specific enforcement options with regard to

imported feed are contained within the Feed Law Enforcement Procedure. However these documents should be expanded to ensure that all Officers who may be involved in feed have sufficient guidance.

3.2.11 No formal enforcement activity had been carried out due to minimal imported

feed activity in the Authority’s area.

Feed Complaints, Primary Authority Scheme and Home Authority Principle

3.2.12 The Feed Law Enforcement Procedure includes a section on requests for

service, which refers to complaints. 3.2.13 At the time of audit no imported feed complaints had been received by the

Authority. However the Authority advised that any feed complaints would be dealt with in accordance with the Feed Law Enforcement Procedure.

Feed Safety Incidents 3.2.14 The procedure in place for dealing with feed incidents and alerts was

included in the Feed Enforcement Procedure document under Emergency Procedures; the procedure does not however specifically refer to RASFF’s. The Authority however advised that RASFF alerts are checked on a regular basis.

3.2.15 The Authority has arrangements in place for out of hours cover should this

be required in an emergency.

Advice to Business

3.2.16 Due to the lack of imported feed activity within the Authority’s area relevant to the scope of the audit, relatively little specific business advice had been carried out.



3.3 Internal Monitoring and Third Party or Peer Review

Internal Monitoring 3.3.1 The Authority does not have an internal monitoring procedure in place in

relation to feed. The Lead Officer does have discussions with the Principal Officer and The Trading Standards Manager on feed related matters on a regular basis.

3.3.2 Monthly monitoring of the inspection programme is carried out and

discussed at monthly team meetings. There is a performance measure of high risk inspections being carried out on time, which is reviewed on a monthly basis by the Trading Standards Management Team as part of the Trading Standards Business Plan.

3.3.3 The quality manual is audited on a regular basis.

Records 3.3.5 File checks of the one premises handling imported feed identified that the

Officer was not completing detailed inspection records. The assessment of HACCP based feed safety management systems had not been detailed on the inspection report or the computer records of the feed business operator. The information retained within the premises files and database failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the basis for Officers’ enforcement decisions as the wrong aide memoire had been used.

3.3.6 In the file checked, the risk rating of the premises was maintained as high

due to the operations carried out; however as the premises had been wrongly allocated, the annual inspections for 2009 and 2010 had not been carried out in accordance with the Feed Law Enforcement Code of Practice requirements.

3.3.7 For the 2011 inspection, the Feed Business Operator had been provided

with a clearly worded letter confirming the main findings from the inspection. Reports of inspection contained all of the details required by the Feed Law

Enforcement Code of Practice.


Develop, maintain and implement a documented internal monitoring procedure to include qualitative monitoring across the full range of imported feed law activities. A record should be maintained for at least 2 years of internal monitoring activities carried out. [The Standard - 19.1 and 19.3]



Third Party or Peer Review

3.3.8 The Authority had not been subject to any external audits recently in relation to FNAO duties.

Auditors: Marion McArthur Graham Forbes Jane Tait Simon Craig (Feed Policy) Food Standards Agency Audit Branch, Scotland


ANNEXE A Action Plan for The Moray Council Audit date: 16 - 17 March 2011

TO ADDRESS (RECOMMENDATION INCLUDING STANDARD PARAGRAPH)

The Authority should :

BY (DATE)

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS ACTION TAKEN TO DATE

Further develop the Service Delivery Plan and ensure that it covers all areas of the Service Planning Guidance in the Framework Agreement, including the monitoring, inspection and enforcement arrangements for imported feeds. The plan should be approved at the relevant level to help ensure local transparency and accountability and to show the contribution to the Authority’s corporate plan.


30 June

2011

Include a section in the 2011/12 (and future) service delivery plans covering all areas of the FSA service planning guidance. The service plan to be approved by the Head of Development Services.

Expand the authorisation procedure to include reference to authorisation of Officers based on their competence in accordance with Feed Law Enforcement Code of Practice and any centrally issued Guidance.

[The Standard – 5.1]

30 June

2011

Review Moray Council Trading standards Feed Law Enforcement Procedures 2011. Expand the authorisation procedure to include competence requirements, including periodic review of officer competence.




BY (DATE)


Formalise liaison arrangements with the Harbour Master and the store operator to further enhance the effectiveness of the monitoring arrangements in relation to imported feed controls.


30 June

2011

Formally confirm in writing the current relationship arrangements between Buckie Harbour, Scotland Stevedoring Ltd and Moray Council Trading Standards with regard to the monitoring of imported feed controls and incorporate in the Feed Law Enforcement Procedures




BY (DATE)


Ensure that feed inspections are carried out at a frequency which is not less than that determined under the inspection rating scheme set out in the Feed Law Enforcement Code of Practice or other centrally issued guidance.


Configure ‘Uniform’ work management software to handle the inspection rating scheme set out in the Feed Law Enforcement Code of Practice. Risk assess feed premises using the inspection rating scheme set out in the Feed Law Enforcement Code of Practice (LACORS risk scheme currently used) and enter the information in Uniform. Uniform will re-calculate the due inspection dates based on the new risk assessments. Amend the 2011/12 (and future) inspection programme with the revised inspection dates.




BY (DATE)


Develop and implement a document internal monitoring procedure to include qualitative monitoring across the full range of imported feed law activities. A record should be maintained of internal monitoring activities carried out.

[The Standard - 19.1 and 19.3]

30/09/2011

Prepare procedures within the Moray Council Trading Standards Feed Law Enforcement Procedures 2011 to reflect new internal document monitoring. Consider options for the delivery of these procedures which may include peer review arrangements. Ensure procedures are implemented and effectively documented.


Audit Approach/Methodology The audit was conducted using a variety of approaches and methodologies as follows: (1) Examination of LA policies and procedures.

The following LA policies, procedures and linked documents were examined before and during the audit:

Environmental Services Development Services Annual Report 2009/2010

Moray Trading Standards – Projects and Initiatives - 2010-2011

The Moray Council Scheme of Delegation

The Moray Council Feed Law Enforcement Procedures

Report to the Moray Council Wednesday 2 February 2011

Feed Business Establishment/Feed Premises Primary Inspection Report

Feed Hygiene Inspection Checklist (Annex 1)



Trading Standards Enforcement Policy

Trading Standards Enforcement Policy Report to Environmental Services 17 January 2007

The Moray Council Trading Standards Quality Manual

Trading Standards Enforcement and Compliance Manual

The Moray Council Trading Standards Service Business Plan 2010-2011 (2) File reviews – the following LA file records were reviewed during the audit:

Delegated Powers Authorisations for Officers

Officer Feed Training since 2006

Sampling Plan

North of Scotland Quality Liaison Group Minutes

Inspection records for importer within The Moray Council

Imported Feed Sample Results (3) Interviews – the following Officers were interviewed:

Trading Standards Manager

Lead Feed Officer

Opinions and views raised during Officer interviews remain confidential and are not referred to directly within the report.

(4) On-site verification check:

A verification visit was made with the Authority’s Officers to Buckie Harbour. The purpose of the visit was to verify that appropriate risk based, proportionate checks are carried out to identify consignments of imported feed at the Port and that facilities and equipment are adequate should they be required.


ANNEXE C

Glossary

Agricultural Analyst A person, holding the prescribed qualifications, who is formally appointed by a Local Authority to analyse feed samples.

Air Waybill Audit

Commercial documents providing a general description of cargo items. Audit means a systematic and independent examination to determine whether activities and related results comply with planned arrangements and whether these arrangements are implemented effectively and are suitable to achieve objectives.

Authorised Officer A suitably qualified Officer who is authorised by the Local Authority to act on its behalf in, for example, the enforcement of legislation.

Border Inspection Post Point of entry into the UK from non-EU countries for products of animal origin.

CEDs Common Entry Documents which must accompany certain food products to designated points of entry or import.

Consignment A unit of cargo that can consist of one or a number of different products.

DPE Designated point of entry. A port that has been designated for the entry of certain high risk feed and food products subject to enhanced checks.

Environmental Health Officer (EHO)

Officer employed by the Local Authority to enforce food safety legislation.

ERTS

Enhanced remote transit shed. An HM Revenue and Customs designated warehouse where goods are held in temporary storage pending Customs clearance and release for free circulation.

Feed Law Enforcement Code of Practice (Great Britain)

Government Code of Practice issued under Regulation 6 of the Official Feed and Food Controls (Scotland) Regulations 2009, as guidance to Local Authorities on the enforcement of feed legislation.


Feeding stuffs Means any substance or product, including additives, whether processed, partially processed or unprocessed, intended to be used for oral feeding animals.

FNAO Feed not of animal origin. Non animal feed products that fall under the requirements of imported feed control regime.

Food Standards Agency The Food Standards Agency is an independent Government department set up by an Act of parliament in 2000 to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation to food.

Everything we do reflects our vision of Safe food and healthy eating for all

Feed standards The legal requirements covering the quality, composition, labelling, presentation and advertising of feed, and feed materials.

Formal samples Samples taken in accordance with the requirements of the Feed Law Enforcement Code of Practice in accordance with the relevant sampling regulations and submitted to an accredited laboratory on the official list. Formal samples are those taken in strict accordance with procedures laid down in Directive 76/371/EEC

Framework Agreement The Framework Agreement consists of:

Chapter One Service Planning Guidance Chapter Two The Standard Chapter Three Monitoring of Local Authorities Chapter Four Audit Scheme for Local Authorities The Standard and the Service Planning Guidance set out the Agency’s expectations on the planning and delivery of food and feed law enforcement. The Monitoring Scheme requires local authorities to submit annual returns to the Food Standards Agency on their food law enforcement activities i.e. numbers of inspections, samples and prosecutions. Under the Audit Scheme the Food Standards Agency will be conducting audits of the food and feed law enforcement services of Local Authorities against the criteria set out in the Standard.

Full Time Equivalents (FTE)

A figure which represents that part of an individual Officer’s time available to a particular role or set of duties. It reflects the fact that individuals may work part-time, or


may have other responsibilities within the organisation not related to food or feed enforcement.

LAEMS Local Authority Enforcement Monitoring System is an electronic system used by local authorities to report their food law enforcement activities to the Food Standards Agency.

Home Authority An authority where the relevant decision making base of an enterprise is located and which has taken on the responsibility of advising that business on food safety/food standards issues. Acts as the central contact point for other enforcing authorities’ enquiries with regard to that company’s food related policies and procedures.

Informal samples Samples that have not been taken in accordance with the appropriate sampling regulation (e.g. samples for screening purposes) and/or not sent to an accredited laboratory.

Member forum A Local Authority forum at which Council Members discuss and make decisions on food and feed law enforcement services.

FNAO

Feed of non-animal origin. Products that do not fall under the requirements of the veterinary control regime.

Primary Authority An authority that has formed a partnership with a business.

Port Health Authority An authority specifically constituted for port health functions including imported food control.

Public Analyst An Officer, holding the prescribed qualifications, who is formally appointed by the Local Authority to carry out chemical analysis of feed samples.

RASFF Rapid alert system for food and feed. The European Union system for alerting enforcement authorities of food and feed hazards.

Risk rating

A system that rates feed businesses according to risk and determines how frequently those premises should be inspected. For example, high risk premises should be inspected at least every 12 months.

Scottish Government Rural Directorate Animal Health and Welfare

The Government Department designated as the central competent authority for products of animal origin in Scotland


Service Plan A document produced by a Local Authority setting out their plans on providing and delivering a food or feed service to the local community.

Third Country Countries outside the European Union.

Trading Standards The Department within a Local Authority which carries out, amongst other responsibilities, the enforcement of food standards and feed legislation.

Trading Standards Officer (TSO)

Officer employed by the Local Authority who, amongst other responsibilities, may enforce food standards and feed legislation.

Unitary Authority A Local Authority in which the County and District Council functions are combined. A Unitary Authority’s responsibilities will include food hygiene, food standards and feed enforcement.