Supporting food, health and safety in South Kesteven

An annual work plan setting out how food and health and safety legislation is enforced by South Kesteven District Council has been published.

The Council’s Commercial Team within Environmental Health oversees food safety, health and safety, public health and private drinking water supplies across the District.

The work plan covering 2023/24 details the Council’s role in protecting and enhancing the local environment, ensuring public protection and supporting the economy and business growth in South Kesteven.  The plan also look forward to ensure resources are in place and targeted effectively.

Cllr Rhea Rayside, Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “Our Food, Health and Safety functions at South Kesteven District Council play a really vital role in supporting our residents to live happy, safe and thriving lives.

“The work undertaken by the Council’s Commercial Team is far-reaching and impacts all residents of the District in some way – from ensuring food premises are clean and up to standard, to monitoring the safety of skin piercing operators. I am delighted the workplan highlights the breadth of this work.”

Last financial year, Environmental Health officers carried out 542 food hygiene inspections of food premises. 82% receiving a top rating of ‘5’, as set out by the Food Standards Agency. 

As well as 13 enforcement notices, two non-compliant food businesses were prosecuted with fines totalling nearly £40,000.

To support business growth in the District, the Council offers guidance and consultations for people planning to open a new food business.

The advice is designed to help businesses get the best possible start by achieving and maintaining a 5 food hygiene rating.

“Many businesses have engaged with our Commercial Team for advice and support and we’re pleased that 100% of new businesses received a ‘3’ rating or higher at their first inspection.” Cllr Rayside said.

The work plan also covers health and safety enforcement, monitoring private water supplies and the facilitation of food export approvals.

Last year, the Council helped to pave the way for a new market access deal that saw British cooked poultry meat products make it to Japanese tables.

The agreement enabled Moy Park, one of the UK’s largest poultry meat producers, to export cooked poultry to Japan from one of its facilities in Grantham.

A spokesperson from Moy Park said: “We have worked with the Council across a number of areas and we have always felt a very supportive and collaborative approach.

“From routine visits to developing and achieving approval to export product into Japan, it has always been a ‘can do’ and progressive relationship.”

The Food, Health and Safety Enforcement Work Plan for 2023/24 is available online at https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/environmental-health/food-health-and-safety-enforcement-work-plan