Meeting documents

The Executive
Tuesday, 19 April 2005

EX190405-18

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ITEM EX18

EXECUTIVE – 19 APRIL 2005

FOOD LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE PLAN 2005/06

Report by Head of Trading Standards & Registration Services

 

Introduction

  1. The Food Standards Act 1999 requires all local authorities to prepare and publish a Food Law Enforcement Service Plan on an annual basis. Service plans developed under these arrangements will provide the basis on which local authorities will be monitored and audited by the Food Standards Agency.

  2. The Department of Trade and Industry also requires a Service Plan to be prepared in respect of all aspects of the local authority Trading Standards Service. In view of the degree to which these requirements overlap a single, formal Service and Performance Plan has been prepared, incorporating all of the elements required by both Government agencies. The draft Plan is circulated herewith. Those aspects of the Plan that relate specifically to Food Law Enforcement are highlighted below.

  3. The Service Plan will also demonstrate how the wide range of food law enforcement activities undertaken by the County Council’s Trading Standards Service can contribute to the overall corporate objectives of Oxfordshire County Council.

  4. The importance of food law enforcement and consumer education in relation to diet and nutrition has never been more acute:

    • More than £600 Million is now spent each year in Oxfordshire on food alone;

    • Nationally, poor diet is responsible for nearly a third of life years lost through disability and death, mainly from heart disease, cancer and diabetes;

    • In Oxfordshire, there is evidence of an increase in type 2 diabetes, most commonly linked to high levels of fat intake;

    • 9% of pupils in Oxfordshire are eligible for Free School Meals and therefore rely upon the County Council for their main meal of the day;

    • The links between diet, health, behaviour in school and academic attainment are now well documented; and

    • More and more emphasis is given to the "Oxfordshire" brand through initiatives such as the Oxfordshire Food Group.

      (Annex - download as .pdf file)

Food Law Enforcement Service Plan

  1. The structure of the Service Plan itself is set by the Food Standards Agency and is intended to ensure that the County Council will include:

    • information about the services we provide;

    • the means by which we will provide those services;

    • the means by which we will meet any relevant performance targets or performance standards; and

    • a review of performance in order to address any variance from meeting the requirements of the service plan.

  1. It is proposed that the food enforcement activities for 2005/06 should be based around six themes: tackling food poverty; encouraging a healthier diet; improving food standards and choice for children at catering establishments; addressing the concerns of our communities; helping to sustain local businesses; and safeguarding food standards.

    2. Food Law Enforcement Specifics for 2005/06

  2. The following paragraphs within the draft Service and Performance Plan relate specifically to food law enforcement:

    • Pages 5&6: Priorities for 2005/06. This section sets out the rationale behind the priorities identified for the year.

    • Page 10: Scope of the Service. This section provides an explanation of those areas of responsibility falling to Trading Standards and those to the District Council Environmental Health services, etc.

    • Pages 11&12: Profile of the County. This section sets the scene in terms of the number of businesses across Oxfordshire and shows the number of food businesses liable to Trading Standards inspection. The figures show a slight decline in the number of food manufacturers and importers (153 in 2004/05 down to 130) and in livestock holdings (1800 in 2004/05 down to 1750).

    • Pages 15&16: Finance. This section offers a very brief summary of the Trading Standards Service budget for 2005/06.

    • Page 22: Our Achievements. This section highlights some of the successes achieved through 2004/05.

  1. Appendix 2 of the draft Service and Performance Plan sets out some of the key activities to be undertaken during 2005/06. Those specifically relating to food law enforcement include:

    • 1. Improving school meals in Oxfordshire.

    • 2. Consumer education events such as "Oxfordshire’s Best School Dinners" competition.

    • 4. Providing advice on nutrition and food to new parents.

    • 13. Completing a programme of product sampling and testing.

    • 14. Researching and proposing solutions to areas of food poverty.

    • 18. Completing a programme of risk assessed inspections of local businesses.

RECOMMENDATION

  1. The Food Law Enforcement Service Plan is one of the strategic plans which, in accordance with the Budget and Policy Procedure Rules set out in the Constitution, are subject to approval by the full Council, taking into account any advice from the relevant scrutiny Committee. The Community Safety Scrutiny Committee have indicated that they do not wish to make any comments on the Plan.

  2. The Executive is RECOMMENDED to RECOMMEND Council to approve the Food Law Enforcement Service Plan, as comprised in the Trading Standards Service and Performance Plan, for submission to the Food Standards Agency.

 

NIGEL STRICK
Head of Trading Standards & Registration Services

Contact Officer: Nigel Strick Tel: 01865 815601

Background Papers:
(i) Framework Agreement on Local Authority Food Law Enforcement (Food Standards Agency).
(ii) An investigation into the Nutritional Value of Meals Served in Oxfordshire Schools (Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards)
(iii) Food: the local vision (Food Standards Agency)

April 2005

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