Food safety/environmental health

Corker Binning’s specialist food safety/environmental health team advises companies and individuals involved in any enforcement action, criminal investigation or prosecution by a food authority in England and Wales - such as the environmental health department or trading standards department of a borough council, county council or district council.

The legislation governing food hygiene and safety (primarily the Food Safety Act 1990 and Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006) contains many criminal offences if breached, including failure to comply with an Improvement Notice.

A criminal investigation and/or prosecution can have devastating consequences for a business or individual. We have extensive experience of advising on the risk of criminal offences being committed and also giving guidance to businesses about their exposure to criminal penalties. We regularly act for a number of well known restaurants on food safety and hygiene issues. See our review of food hygiene legislation, March 2010.

The range of businesses affected by food hygiene law is diverse, from those operating in agriculture and manufacturing to processing, distribution and warehousing and wholesaling, retailing, foodservice and catering. Food hygiene law is complex and ever-changing. That’s why it’s vital to appoint experienced lawyers, should a problem arise or to ensure that you are complying with the law.

For more information contact Nicola Finnerty on 0207 353 6000