HC Deb 16 February 1993 vol 219 cc162-3W
Mr. Robert Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to ensure sensitive and appropriate enforcement of hygiene regulations.

Mr. Sackville

In 1991 the Department of Health issued statutory code of practice No. 9 advising environmental health officers to conduct food hygiene inspections according to the relative risk posed to public health. A copy is available in the Library.

The Department works closely with the Local Authorities Co-ordinating body on Food and Trading Standards—LACOTS—a local government central body whose purpose is to co-ordinate trading standards and food hygiene activity throughout the United Kingdom. It gives advice to local authorities on common enforcement problems.

LACOTS has, with our encouragement, recently issued a circular to all environmental health departments giving advice on the enforcement of hygiene requirements in premises run by voluntary and charitable organisations. The circular advocates sensible enforcement based on assessment of risk to public health. A copy will be placed in the Library.