Agenda item

A report providing the Committee with a mid-year update on food hygiene inspections was received and considered.

It was reported that after the previous update additional resources were in place and the situation was more positive with 60% of planned inspections having been undertaken. There was a significant number of other activities going on as well including prosecutions and written warnings.

A Member referred to section 4.2 of the report and the lack of food sampling that had been undertaken. In response it was explained that schedules were set by the Food Standards Agency in respect of sampling. However it may also arise following a complaint. This would be picked up in this period but there had been additional health and safety interventions coming through which meant that food inspections came first, then complaint checking, and finally food sampling. 

A Councillor highlighted inspections at The Lincolnshire Show and the challenges of the hot weather for vendors in regard to adequate refrigeration and lack of generator strength. In response it was indicated that a pragmatic approach had been taken and whilst there had been no major concerns, traders had been given advice. There had been no mandated closures or stock disposed of. The team had been on site when stands were being set up and there had been effective communication with traders.

A question was raised regarding the inspection of mobile traders at ‘pop up’ events and whether this was undertaken by the council. It was clarified that the council concentrated on larger events where there were more traders. Any business registered with West Lindsey would be inspected but often vendors were registered elsewhere. Any breaches could be dealt with, but not scheduled inspections. The registering authority would be advised of any concerns raised. It was acknowledged that the inspection of mobile traders could be difficult as they often operated out of hours but officers worked in the evenings to cover this. It was also necessary to inspect businesses operating from home.

A Member highlighted the professionalism of officers and indicated that a number of verbal warnings were given at the Lincolnshire Show but not recorded. In response it was indicated that a judgement call was made by officers at the time and an amicable solution was found where possible. Any serious contraventions were recorded and written warnings issued as required.

Members were advised that the council was meeting its requirements and highlighted that 98% of premises had a 3* rating or above and officers would concentrate on the 2% not meeting standards.

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The Committee welcomed the positive report and expressed support for the resources that had been allocated to meet targets. In response it was acknowledged that having a full-time officer had made a significant difference and meant there was greater resilience within the team and a more proactive approach could be taken.

A Member asked if any premises closures were reported to Members. It was clarified that such decisions were taken by officers under delegated powers and would not be put in the public domain, however all premises ratings were publicly available. Officers did not name 0* or 1* premises in communications but highlighted those with a 5* rating. Members acknowledged the response and suggested that Members could be advised, in an exempt report, of any action taken so that they could keep an overview. It was agreed that voluntary closures could be included as part of future update reports.

With no further comments or questions, and having been moved, seconded, and voted upon, it was

RESOLVED that

a)    the update report and progress made to date be noted; and

b)    a further update, including voluntary closure information, be presented to committee with the annual food, health and safety work plan for 2026/27 in May or June 2026.