The Food Safety Section, which forms
part of the Commercial Safety Team, investigate outbreaks of food
poisoning and certain other infectious diseases reported to the
division by members of the public and the Health Protection
Agency.
During an investigation an Officer will
contact the person affected by the infection to try and find the
cause and stop it from spreading.
Fact sheets on food poisoning and infectious
disease can be obtained from the
Health Protection Agency (external link).
The Health Protection Agency is an independent
UK organisation that was set up by the government in 2003 to
protect the public from threats to their health from infectious
diseases and environmental hazards. It does this by providing
advice and information to the general public, to health
professionals such as doctors and nurses, and to national and local
government. From April 2003 the HPA will become part of Public
Health England.
If you would like further advice or
information, please contact the Council’s Food Safety Section:
- Complete the
Food Safety online form
- Tel: 01695 577177
- Write to: Community Services, West Lancashire Borough Council,
Robert Hodge Centre, Stanley Way, Skelmersdale WN8 8EE
Food hygiene training
Food handlers must receive appropriate
supervision and be instructed and/or trained in food hygiene, to
enable them to handle food safely. Those responsible for developing
and maintaining the business’s food safety procedures, based on
HACCP (hazard analysis critical control point) principles, must
have received adequate training. There is no legal requirement
to attend a formal training course or get a qualification. The
necessary skills may be obtained in other ways, such as on the
job training, self study (e-learning etc) or relevant prior
experience. The operator of the food business is responsible for
ensuring this happens.
The Council can provide food hygiene training to people working
in food and catering businesses to enable them to meet food safety
training requirements. Courses take place on a regular basis and
are organised to meet the demand. The current cost of the course is
£46.50 per person.
To register your interest in these courses:
- Complete the
Food Hygiene Courses online form
- Tel: 01695 585253
- Write to: Community Services, West Lancashire Borough Council,
Robert Hodge Centre, Stanley Way, Skelmersdale WN8 8EE
Related information