Food law and enforcement

The Food Law Code of Practice for Northern Ireland sets out how local authorities should enforce food law. It also guides how they should work with food business operators.

Local authorities (usually referred to as district councils in Northern Ireland) must comply with the instructions included in the code of practice when they enforce food law. They must follow and implement all the provisions of the code that apply to them.

The code of practice is revised and updated from time to time to:

• reduce the paperwork burden on businesses and local councils
• update it with changes in legislation
• maintain standards of public health and consumer protection

The latest revision of the Food Law Code of Practice introduced a new model for delivering food standards controls in Northern Ireland. This model aims to help councils take a more risk-based approach to inspection, focusing their time and resources on food businesses that pose the greatest risk to consumers.

Food Law Practice Guidance

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issues Food Law Practice Guidance. This gives advice and practical guidance to enforcement officers on how best to apply the code of practice. The guidance is not legally binding.

Practice guidance covers:

• administrative matters
• general enforcement matters, including prohibition and improvement notices
• guidance on monitoring compliance with food laws and carrying out inspections
• guidance relating to establishments dealing with specific products, such as fresh meat or shellfish