Food Sampling
Food, water and environmental (i.e. swabs of preparation areas and equipment) sampling from food businesses is undertaken as part of the food hygiene enforcement service. A copy of the Policy on Food, Water and Environmental Sampling from Food Businesses can be downloaded below.
Each year, the Council produces a sampling programme with samples taken particularly from businesses selling high risk ready-to-eat foods and from manufacturers. In addition we participate in regional and national surveys of particular foods and sometimes take samples following customer complaints, such as a food poisoning allegation. Samples are tested either by the Health Protection Agency or Public Analyst to discover if there are any harmful bacteria, chemicals or foreign objects.
For further information, please contact the:
Health Protection Team
Telephone: 01264 368000
Email: customerservices@testvalley.gov.uk