Food law enforcement plan

Food Inspection and Sampling

The Authority normally operates three separate food sampling programmes:

• food sampling for microbiological surveillance e.g. to satisfy local/national sampling priorities and to ensure HACCP systems are operating effectively
• food standards sampling
• shellfish sampling

In addition, further food samples may be taken following a complaint or for enforcement purposes.

Shellfish sampling is carried out by the Port Health Team, and these arrangements and activity levels are detailed in the Port Health Service Plan.

3.6.1 Food samples for microbiological surveillance

3.6.1.1 Sampling Plans for 2021 -22

The microbiological examination of food is carried out by the Food Examiner at the Public Health Wales Laboratory, Glangwili Hospital, and Carmarthen. During 2022-23 a credit allocation equivalent to £2318 was made available through this laboratory to cover food examination costs. Food sampling costs in excess of this allocation must be met by the Authority. A budget of £440 was also made available by the Authority to cover the purchase of samples, and for the examination/analysis of complaints relating to the hygiene of foods by the Public Analyst. In general, complaint items are only sent for analysis/examination where formal action might be contemplated.

3.6.1.2 Planned sampling programmes 2021-22

During 2021-22, the Authority did not operate a Proactive Sampling Plan as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the diversion of resources towards the Authority’s response to Covid-19. Activities were restricted to responding to complaints, or otherwise using intelligence and information gathered on inspections to determine the need for any microbiological samples.

3.6.1.3 Sampling results (and follow-up action) 2021-22

Bacteriological samples are interpreted in accordance with EC Regulation 2073/2005 on the Microbiological Criteria for Foodstuffs, or the National Public Health Laboratory Service guidelines as appropriate.
Unsatisfactory/unacceptable samples will be followed up by visiting the premises concerned, investigating the possible reasons for failure, and repeated sampling.

In 2021-22, 1 sample taken as a result of a complaint of possible scrombotoxin (irritation) symptoms experienced by a consumer of fish purchased at a restaurant was sampled for Histamine, which causes scrombotoxin infection. Though not purely a microbiological test, the result showed elevated levels of Histamine. The matter was followed up with the business and advice was provided on traceability, stock rotation and temperature control of fish, which reduces the risk of histamine development in fish. The restaurant subsequently stopped having the particular suspect food (mackerel) on their menu.

3.6.1.4 Planned sampling programmes 2022-23

An allocation equivalent to a budget of £4289 has been made available by PHW in support of the Authority’s sampling programmes. A further budget of £440 has been made available by the Authority to cover the purchase of samples, and for the examination/analysis of complaints relating to the hygiene of foods by the Public Analyst.

For this financial year, whilst the FSA’s LA Recovery Plan is being implemented, resources are being concentrated on undertaking inspections. No set Microbiological Sampling Plan has been developed for 2022-23, however the Authority will undertake microbiological sampling where inspections, service requests, outbreaks of food poisoning or other incident, follow up as necessary to any samples necessary in relation to the FSA Surveillance Sampling Programme, or other intelligence/information is obtained which would suggest that sampling is necessary to determine whether foods placed on the market are compliant with legal microbiological standards, and are safe to consume.

3.6.2 Food standards sampling

In 2020-21 a budget allocation of £ 9530 was made available by the Authority to cover food analysis costs, to be used for routine food standards sampling.
During 2021-22, the Authority did not establish a food standards sampling programme as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the diversion of resources towards the Authority’s response to Covid-19. Activities were restricted to responding to complaints, or otherwise using intelligence and information gathered on inspections to determine the need for any microbiological samples.

In 2021-22 whilst two samples were taken for Food Standards matters, both were found to be satisfactory.

In 2022-23 in relation to Food Standards sampling, whilst the FSA’s LA Recovery Plan is being implemented, resources are being concentrated on undertaking inspections. No set Food Standards Sampling Plan has been developed for 2022-23, however the Authority will undertake food standards sampling where inspections, service requests, any Incidents, follow up as necessary to any samples necessary in relation to the FSA Surveillance Sampling Programme or other intelligence/information is obtained which would suggest that sampling is necessary to determine whether foods placed on the market are compliant with legal food standards.

A budget of £9530 has been made available by the Authority for food standards to cover analysis costs.

3.6.3 Shellfish sampling

Significant work has previously been required to support the classification and monitoring of shellfish production areas, to enable the commercial harvesting of these shellfish for human consumption, including in 2021-22, where sampling to classify new shellfish beds has been taking place.

Where work has been undertaken this is detailed in the separate Port Health Plan.