Food safety checks carried out in Staffordshire

A day of action to make sure imported food being sold in stores around Staffordshire is safe and labelled correctly has been carried out.

Officers from Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards service carried out the inspections, alongside offering advice to food businesses across the county

The action is part of a wider national piece of work looking specifically at imported food goods. Teams will be making sure that no products are being sold where there are prohibited foods or ingredients or where allergens are not declared.

Officers from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) also took part in the day, offering expert advice on the imported products being sold. As well as inspecting the food labelling, samples have also been taken for analysis and traceability checks made with regards to the origin of the foods.

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said: “It’s really important that checks are made on the standards of food we eat.

"We have seen the unfortunate and sometimes fatal consequences where allergens have not been declared in food, something which led to the introduction of Natasha’s law. The day of action with the Food Safety Agency inspecting premises selling imported foods, is just one of the steps our Trading Standards team undertakes to protect the communities they serve.”

Further advice on food standards and allergens awareness is available atwww.staffordshire.gov.uk . People can also report concerns over food standards by emailingffah@staffordshire.gov.uk