Shropshire Council’s food safety team have been made aware of reports concerning misleading approaches by consultants towards food business operators.
Recent incidents highlight instances where businesses have been pressured into paying for services under misleading pretences and potentially impersonating Authorised Officers working for the Local Authority.
For example, one business has reported that a company approached them to sell food consultancy services. The business advised that the consultancy also marketed themselves as being recommended by Shropshire Council and wanted £450 per month from the business for their services for a fixed term.
To ensure clarity and protect businesses, the council wants to reaffirm the following key points:
- Local Authority Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) and Food Safety Officers do not issue fines during food inspections. Instead, they provide advice and clear timescales for any required improvements. Chargeable costs only relate to Rescore Inspection visits, which is at the request of the Food Business.
- Advice from Local Authority Food Safety Teams is often available free of charge. Businesses seeking guidance may wish to contact their local authority before engaging with external consultants.
- Shropshire Council does not work in collaboration with private food consultants. If an individual claims to be affiliated with a council or regulatory body, businesses should verify their credentials to include Professional Qualifications and membership of a Professional Body, including membership number.
- All official Environmental Health and Food Safety Officers carry local authority identification and communicate via official email addresses.
- Any instances of aggressive or misleading behaviour should be reported to the relevant local authority and, if necessary, to the Police.
