Food sampling
Why is sampling carried out?
Sampling is an important way of assessing the safety of food produced by a business and also the safety of the environment where food is produced or manufactured.
What types of samples are taken?
The Food Safety team undertakes microbiological sampling. Usually this will be informal sampling which involves the officer taking samples of food or environmental swabs.
Will I always know if a sample has been taken?
Usually the officer will identify themselves, as they will need to enter the food production area to obtain samples and swabs. Occasionally, however, officers will take samples without announcing their identity. This is so observations can be made of normal handling practices when staff are not under the scrutiny of an inspection.
When will I receive a sampling visit?
The authority has a routine sampling programme. Samples may be taken as part of an inspection, in relation to a complaint or as part of a local or national sampling programme. Sampling is usually based upon risk, so a business which handles more open high risk foods is more likely to receive a sampling visit than a low risk business.
What happens to the sample once the officer has visited?
The sample is submitted to the UK Health Security Agency Laboratory for microbiological examination.
When will I get to know a sampling result?
It is the policy of this department to notify all businesses in writing of their sample results. Even those businesses which have been subject to anonymous sampling will be notified of results.
What happens if my results are unsatisfactory?
We are normally notified by telephone if the laboratory isolates high levels of indicator or pathogenic organisms (potentially harmful bacteria). We would work with the business to try and identify the source of the problem. We may take further formal food samples.
What do the sample results in my letter mean?
An explanatory leaflet should be enclosed with your letter. It explains about your results and any action you may need to take if your sample is considered borderline or unsatisfactory.