Job Details
Overview
This role focuses on protecting public health by ensuring that food businesses comply with food safety and hygiene laws. The officer will work within a local authority’s Environmental Health Department, specifically in the Food Safety and Standards team.
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Main Purpose
To carry out inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities to make sure food businesses (like restaurants, takeaways, shops, manufacturers, and caterers) are producing and selling food that is safe to eat, properly labelled, and meets legal standards.
The officer helps ensure that the public is protected from foodborne illnesses and that businesses understand and comply with food law requirements.
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Typical Duties
• Conduct food hygiene inspections: Visit food premises to assess cleanliness, food handling practices, structure, pest control, and temperature control.
• Carry out food standards inspections: Check food labelling, composition, and allergen information to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
• Investigate complaints: Handle reports from the public about food safety issues, poor hygiene, or suspected food poisoning.
• Take enforcement action: Serve notices, issue warnings, or recommend prosecution when serious breaches of the law occur.
• Advise businesses: Provide guidance to help food businesses comply with legal requirements and adopt best practices.
• Collect samples: Take food or environmental samples for microbiological or chemical analysis.
• Respond to incidents: Support investigations into food poisoning outbreaks, product recalls, or contamination incidents.
• Maintain records and reports: Keep detailed inspection notes, correspondence, and statutory returns in line with local authority procedures.
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Required Qualifications and Experience
• Degree in Environmental Health accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) — or a food safety qualification recognised in the Food Law Code of Practice.
• Substantial recent experience working as an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) or Food Safety Officer in a local authority setting.
• Sound knowledge of food safety legislation, including the Food Safety Act 1990, Food Hygiene Regulations, and Food Information Regulations.
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Skills and Attributes
• Strong understanding of UK food law and enforcement procedures.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
• Confidence to deal with business owners and the public, sometimes in challenging situations.
• Attention to detail and ability to interpret complex legislation.
• Independence and sound professional judgment in decision-making.
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Why This Role Matters
This position is vital to protecting public health and maintaining consumer confidence in the food system. It combines technical expertise, investigative work, and public service, making it both challenging and rewarding.
