Food Safety FAQ's
Question
How do I make a complaint about a food item / food premises in Kennet ?
Answer
Officers from Environmental Health will investigate complaints made about food items or food premises in Kennet. All complainants' details are confidential.
To make a complaint please call Environmental Health on (01380) 724911 or email kennet@kennet.gov.uk
Question
I think I have food poisoning, what should I do ?
Answer
If you think that your illness was caused by food prepared outside the home (e.g. a restaurant or take-away), you need to report the incident to the Environmental Health department. Please telephone us on (01380) 724911
It is important that you do this so that Environmental Health officers can investigate the business in question.
If we find a problem with the business' food hygiene practices, and get the business to improve them, this could help prevent other people suffering from food poisoning.
Advice from Food Standards Agency (External link)
Question
I want to set up a new food business in Kennet, what do I need to do ?
Answer
All food businesses and premises must be registered with the Local Authority and are subject to food safety legislation. Registering with us is free.
Please visit our New Business Registration page for more information
One of our Food Safety Officers will be pleased to arrange a site visit to discuss the details of your proposed business and the aspects of Food Safety and Health & Safety law which apply to you and your staff. This may include the need for food hygiene training, and our Environmental Health officers run courses throughout the year.
More details on training courses
If you would like to discuss your new business with an officer, please telephone Environmental Health on (01380) 724911 or email us at kennet@kennet.gov.uk
Question
Do I need a licence to open a food business ?
Answer
It depends on what you intend to do, when and where.
Please visit our page on Registering a New Food Business in Kennet
Question
Where can I find out about Food Hygiene training courses for me and/or my staff ?
Answer
Environmental Health offer a number of training courses throughout the year which lead to a nationally recognised qualification in Food Hygiene. More information on our courses
Details of other courses can be found on the Chartered Institute on Environmental Health (CIEH) website www.cieh-coursefinder.com (External link)
Question
I want to run a barbecue at the school fete. What do I need to do ?
Answer
There is a range of advice and leaflets available from Environmental Health and the Food Standards Agency.
Advice on Summer Eating & Barbecues
Advice from Food Standards Agency at www.eatwell.gov.uk (External link)
For a FREE copy of FSA leaflet 'Beat the Barbecue Bugs' please email Environmental Health or telephone us on (01380) 724911
Question
Can you give me advice on keeping my kitchen clean and safe ?
Answer
The Food Standards Agency provides comprehensive advice in this area.
Please visit www.eatwell.gov.uk (External link)
You may also like to visit our Food Safety pages
Question
What is the difference between 'Best Before' and 'Use By' dates ?
Answer
View our fact sheet on Understanding 'Best Before' & 'Use By' dates
Question
Is it against the law to sell foods past their 'Use By' date even if they have been reduced in price ?
Answer
Regardless of price reductions it is an absolute offence to sell foods past their 'Use By' date.
For more information, please view our fact sheet 'Understanding 'Best Before' and 'Use By' dates'
Question
Where can I find out more about GM foods ?
Answer
Advice from Food Standards Agency (External link)
Question
How do I choose a healthy place to eat out ?
Answer
The Food Standards Agency provides comprehensive advice in this area. Visit their website at www.eatwell.gov.uk (External link)