Chapter 12 - The Role And Responsibilties Of Environmental Health Officers

Question 1

Environmental Health Officers (EHO)

Answer 1

EHOs are employed in the UK by local authorities and overseen by the Food Standard Agency to enforce food safety legislation. They do this by inspecting buisnesses where food is sold to the public. In the H&C ind they inspect restaurants, cafes, hotels, guest housez, pubs, etc.

Question 2

The purpose of an inspection by an EHO is to make sure that:

Answer 2

• Food is being stored, handles, and cooked hygenically and safely.
• Food is not being conaminated and is safe to eat.
• The premises are in good condition and are regulary changed.

Question 3

EHOs are allowed by law to:

Answer 3

• Enter the premises of a food buisness without an appointment.
• Take food samples away for testing in a lab for food poisoning bacteria.
• Take photographs as evidence of what they find during an inspection.

Question 4

If the EHO finds a problem they are allowed to:

Answer 4

• Take food (that they suspect is a food safety hazard) away from the buisness, so it can’t be sold
  again.
• Close the premises and stop them selling food if there is a high risk of food poisoning - this is
  called and Emergency Hygiene Prohibition Notice.
• Tell the owners to make improvements.

Question 5

What do the EHO do during an inspection?

Answer 5

• Check equipment (to make sure its clean, working properly, etc.)
• Checks for evidence of pests/pests control.
• Watched how food is prepared and cooked and the personal hygeine standards of the staff.