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Environmental Health Business Regulation Service Plan 2025-2026 - Report

Renfrewshire Council · 28 October 2025
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 28 October 2025 and its agenda

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To: Communities and Housing Policy Board 
On: 28 October 2025
______________________________________________________________________ 
Report by: Director of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure 
Heading: Environmental Health Business Regulation Service Plan 2025/2026 
1. Summary 
1.1 Renfrewshire Council is required by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) to produce
an annual Service Plan which details the work being undertaken in respect of
Food Law across the Renfrewshire Council area. 
1.2 The Business Regulation Team, within Environment, Housing & Infrastructure
undertake this work and lead on workplace health and safety; in addition to other areas
of Environmental Health work which are included within the plan. 
1.3 The Service Plan sets out the objectives, service delivery, resources, work
undertaken and quality assurance for the team. 
1.4 The Business Regulation Service Plan 2025/26 is attached to this report as appendix 1. 
2. Recommendations 
It is recommended that the Communities and Housing Policy Board: 
2.1 Approves the Business Regulation Service Plan 2025/26, as detailed within Appendix 1. 
3. Background 
3.1 In terms of food law enforcement, Renfrewshire Council is a statutory food authority
under the Food Safety Act 1990 for all food businesses within Renfrewshire. 
3.2 The Business Regulation team forms part of the Climate, Public Protection and
Roads Service within Environment, Housing and Infrastructure, providing an effective
regulatory service for food law and occupational health and safety at work on behalf
of Renfrewshire Council, ensuring the Council’s statutory responsibilities are met. 
3.3 The objective of the service is to improve the quality and effectiveness of these

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regulatory activities, and in so doing, ensure public health and safety are maintained. 
3.4 Under Section 18 of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and as specified in the
Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998, the Council is the enforcing
authority for health and safety legislation in designated premises across Renfrewshire.
This is determined by the main activity being undertaken within any premises, as
prescribed in the Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998. 
3.5 The Health and Safety at Work etc, Act 1974 places a duty on the HSE and Local
Authorities (LAs), as Enforcing Authorities, to make adequate arrangements for
enforcement. The Section 18 Standard sets out the arrangements that LAs and the
HSE’s Field Operation Directorate should put in place to meet this duty. 
3.6 The Business Plan 2025/26 highlights the work undertaken by the Business
Regulation Team, the current position with regards to premises (as of 1 April 2025)
and the planned work for the coming 12 months. 
3.7 Overall, Food Law and Health & Safety Performance within the Business Regulation
Team remained high during the period (1/4/24 to 31/3/25). Work included: 147 in-
depth Health & Safety Interventions carried out within a range of businesses and 1356
Food Law interventions. Of these Food Law interventions, 98.1% (1330) were
completed within the 28 days specified in the Food Law code of practice. 
Implications of the Report 
1. Financial – none. 
2. HR & Organisational Development – none. 
3. Community Planning 
Renfrewshire is safe – Implementing the attached Service Plan, Environment, Housing
and Infrastructure will make Renfrewshire a safer place to live, work within and visit by
ensure that food that is prepared and consumed in Renfrewshire is safe and that
workplace Health & Safety is regulated. 
4. Legal – none. 
5. Property/Assets – none. 
6. Information Technology – none. 
7. Equality & Human Rights - The Recommendations contained within this report have
been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative
impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have
been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. 
8. Health & Safety – where staff are required to visit premises, all risk  assessments and
safe working procedures have been developed. 
9. Procurement – none. 
10. Risk – none.

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11. Privacy Impact – none. 
12. CoSLA Policy Position – None. 
13. Children’s Rights – None. 
14. Climate Risk- None. 
List of Background Papers 
None. 
Author: Colin Hunter, Environmental Health and Community Safety Manager
e-mail: colin.hunter@renfrewshire.gov.uk

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Business Regulation 
Service Plan 2025-2026
Environment, Housing and Infrastructure

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Contents
1. Service Aims and Objectives .............................................................................. 5
1.1. Aims and Objectives .............................................................................. 5
1.2. Links to Corporate Objectives and Plans .............................................. 5
1.3. Overview ................................................................................................ 6
2. Background ....................................................................................................... 6
2.1. Organisational Structure ....................................................................... 6
2.1.1. Role of Public Protection within Climate, Public Protection and Roads ... 6
2.1.2. Environment, Housing and Infrastructure ................................................. 7
2.2. Scope of the Service .............................................................................. 7
2.3. Demands on the Service ....................................................................... 8
2.4. Performance Management ................................................................. 12
2.5. Enforcement Policy & Procedures ....................................................... 12
3. Service Delivery ............................................................................................... 13
3.1. Food and Health & Safety Premises Inspections ................................ 13
3.2. Food and Health and Safety Service Requests ................................... 16
3.3. Investigation of Accidents ................................................................... 19
3.4. Enforcement Management Model (EMM) ............................................ 19
3.5. Home Authority Principle & Primary Authority Scheme ...................... 19
3.6. Advice to Business ............................................................................... 21
3.7. FHIS & EatSafe ..................................................................................... 21

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3.8. Sampling ............................................................................................. 22
3.9. Control and Investigation of Outbreaks and Food Related Infectious
Diseases ........................................................................................................... 22
3.10. Food Incidents ..................................................................................... 23
3.11. Health and Safety Interventions .......................................................... 23
3.12. Liaison with Other Organisations ........................................................ 24
4. Resources ........................................................................................................ 24
4.1. Financial Allocation ............................................................................. 24
4.2. Staffing Allocation ............................................................................... 25
4.3. Employee Development Plan .............................................................. 25
5. Quality Assessment ......................................................................................... 26
5.1. Quality Assessment & Internal Monitoring .......................................... 26
6. REVIEW 2024-25 ............................................................................................... 27
6.1. Review of Food Law Activity ................................................................ 27
6.2. Sampling 2024/25 ............................................................................... 28
6.3. Review of Health and safety activity. ................................................... 30
6.4. Areas for Improvement ........................................................................ 31
7. Emerging Issues 2025/26 ................................................................................. 31
8. Introduction ..................................................................................................... 34
9. Approach to Sampling ..................................................................................... 34
9.1. Informal Samples ................................................................................ 34

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9.2. Formal Samples .................................................................................. 34
9.3. Sampling Priorities .............................................................................. 35
9.4. Manufacturing/Approved Premises .................................................... 35
9.5. Sampling Plan 2025/26 ....................................................................... 35
9.6. Complaints and Food Borne Disease Investigations .......................... 35
9.7. Co-ordinated Sampling ....................................................................... 35
9.8. Imported Food .................................................................................... 35
9.9. Special Investigations ......................................................................... 36
9.10. Sampling Priority Actions .................................................................... 36
9.11. Routine Sampling ................................................................................ 37 
Appendix 1 - BUSINESS REGULATION FOOD SAMPLING PROGRAMME
Appendix 2 - Structure

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1. Service Aims and Objectives 
1.1. Aims and Objectives 
The Food and Health & Safety Service is delivered by the Environmental Health,
Business Regulation Team. This team forms part of the Climate, Public Protection
and Roads Service within Environment, Housing and Infrastructure. The aim is to
provide an effective regulatory service for food law, and occupational health and
safety at work on behalf of Renfrewshire Council, ensuring the Council’s statutory
responsibilities are met. The objective of the Service is to improve the quality and
effectiveness of these regulatory activities, and in doing so, ensure public health
and safety are maintained. 
In order to achieve this aim, Environment, Housing and Infrastructure will: 
Apply the relevant legislation at premises regulated by the Local Authority in line
with the Scottish Regulators Code of Practice, 
Work in partnership with agencies such as Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and
the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to achieve nationally agreed strategic
aims, 
Ensure that all staff undertaking enforcement activity are properly qualified and
competent to undertake their duties, 
Operate a risk based approach to inspection and regulation, 
Carry out a programme of specific, targeted and appropriate interventions in order
to improve food safety, quality and health & safety standards, 
Work with local businesses in an open and transparent manner, 
Investigate and take appropriate action upon receipt of accident notifications,
service requests, food borne infection notifications and complaints. 
1.2. Links to Corporate Objectives and Plans 
The Environmental Health, Business Regulation Service Plan 2025-26 contributes
to Climate, Public Protection and Roads outcomes as well as Renfrewshire
Council’s Corporate Objectives and Plans.

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In particular, the service has a critical role to play in supporting sustainable
economic development, ensuring the health and safety of the public, addressing
the impact of poverty and the protection of both the public and legitimate
businesses from criminal activities.   
1.3. Overview 
In terms of food law enforcement, Renfrewshire Council is a statutory Food
Authority under the Food Safety Act 1990 for all food businesses within
Renfrewshire. The Council is also an Enforcing Authority in terms of Section 18 of
the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; the Service is the enforcing authority
for health & safety legislation in certain types of premises within Renfrewshire.
This is determined by the main activity being undertaken at the premises as laid
down in the Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998. 
Section 18 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 puts a duty on the
Health & Safety Executive ( HSE) and Local Authorities (LAs), as Enforcing
Authorities, to make adequate arrangements for enforcement. The Section 18
Standard sets out the arrangements that LAs and HSE’s Field Operation
Directorate should put in place to meet this duty. 
2. Background 
2.1. Organisational Structure 
The Food Safety and Health & Safety service is delivered by suitably qualified
officers within the Business Regulation Team operating in Environment, Housing
and Infrastructure as part of Climate, Public Protection and Roads. (Appendix 2) 
2.1.1. Role of Public Protection within Climate, Public Protection and
Roads 
Public Protection within Climate, Public Protection and Roads, consists of the
Business Regulation, Community Safety, Public Health and Trading Standards
teams. Their combined role is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the local
community and to safeguard public health, the quality of the local environment and
to enhance economic, social and environmental welfare by improving and
maintaining standards of fair trading in terms of safety, quality, quantity and price.

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2.1.2. Environment, Housing and Infrastructure 
The Service is based at: 
Climate, Public Protection and Roads
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1BR 
The Service can be contacted by: 
email:   b-serv.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk, or 
phone:   0300 300 0380 
2.2. Scope of the Service 
The main role of Environmental Health, Business Regulation is to undertake
regulatory functions of relevant legislation in terms of Food Law and Occupational
Health and Safety at Work on behalf of Renfrewshire Council.  The aim is to
secure compliance with the standards laid down in primary legislation, associated
regulations and codes of practice. The key activities of Environmental Health
Business Regulation are based on the implementation of inspection/intervention,
survey and sampling programmes and other appropriate monitoring and
investigative activities, including responding to, and learning from food complaints,
accidents and incidents at work. 
Under Section 5 of the Food Safety Act 1990, Renfrewshire Council is a statutory
Food Authority, responsible for delivery of official controls under the Act and
associated Regulations.  Statutory appointments of Head of Food Service and
Lead Officer for Food Safety are detailed in the Council’s Scheme of Delegated
Functions. 
Enforcement of the legislation, under Section 6 of the Food Safety Act 1990,
includes food hygiene and food standards covering the safety, quality,
presentation and labelling of food.  To this end, a programme of food business
inspections and the surveillance of food is carried out by co-ordinated food
sampling and a food standards inspection programme.   
Food and premises hygiene complaints are investigated where required. 
The investigation and control of food-borne infections within food premises is
carried out in conjunction with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. The Service acts
as the Originating Authority to those large-scale food manufacturers within the
area, co-ordinating and assisting in complaints and enquiries from other Food
Authorities within the UK and third Countries.

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As an Enforcing Authority, the Service also has responsibility for the provision of
health & safety enforcement services in a range of business activities covering
approximately 2500 premises and an estimated 10,000 employees. The
enforcement of health & safety legislation is split between the Local Authority
(Renfrewshire Council) and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), depending on
the main activity being undertaken at the premises as laid down in the Health &
Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998. The HSE are responsible for the
more traditional “factory” or industrial premises. The premises within the remit of
the Council include: offices, shops, warehouses, leisure, hotel and catering
premises. 
The principal activities of the service, outlined above, have relevance to the
Planning, Building Standards, Civic Licensing and Alcohol Licensing services of
the Council.  The Service also delivers official controls in relation to Food Law in
all Renfrewshire Council food operations.   
The Service provides advice and guidance to all businesses to ensure compliance
with statutory requirements. 
The 2025/26 Business Regulation Service plan provides data and information for
the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. All information and data figures are
correct as of 1 April 2025. 
2.3. Demands on the Service 
Table 1: Profile of food businesses in Renfrewshire 
Premises Number
Caring Establishment 144
Hotels and Guest Houses 27
Mobile Traders 44
Primary Food Producers 10
Pubs/Clubs 145
Restaurant/ Caterer 411
Takeaway Premises 213
Retail 339
Schools and Colleges 83
Manufacturers and Packers 41
Importers/Exporters 7

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Premises Number
Distributors/Transporters 25
TOTAL 1489 
Table 2: Profile of Businesses for Health & Safety Enforcement 
Premises Number
Retail 786
Wholesale 126
Offices 321
Catering 534
Hotels etc 24
Residential Care 19
Leisure 196
Consumer Services 423
Others 66
Total 2495 
The Food Law and Health & Safety Services provided by Renfrewshire Council
operate solely from Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley, PA1 1BR. The
Service’s standard working day is 8.45am - 4.45pm Monday to Thursday, and
8.45am - 3.55pm on Friday, with an out of hour’s service also being provided in
cases of emergency. 
Officers operate a hybrid model where they are operating from home, in the office
and in the field e.g. inspecting premises and investigating incidents.
The Service works in a number of complex areas, which include: 
Glasgow International Airport 
As Glasgow International Airport lies within the Authority, this adds further
elements of work to the Environmental Health, Business Regulation Team.
Consignments of food, particularly fruit and vegetables come through Glasgow
Airport from third Countries. These foods are subject to controls administered by
Environmental Health, Business Regulation. The Service is also involved in the
surveillance of exports from the Airport and provides export certificates to those
businesses exporting foodstuffs from Renfrewshire.

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The Business Regulation Team provides a port health role at the airport.
Renfrewshire Port Health Authority was originally set up with the primary objective
of preventing dangerous epidemic diseases entering the country. 
Although this can still occur, if a person is patently unwell, this function is now
more realistically aimed at contacting and monitoring persons who may be
carrying a communicable disease and preventing further cases arising from
environmental contamination of aircraft. 
There are also currently two businesses which operate flight catering within the
airport estate and these are subject to inspection by the service. 
Environmental Health Officers operate a duty rota, with one officer allocated for
each day of the working week. The officer carries out all imported food functions at
the airport on his/her allocated day. In addition, on weekends and public holidays
an emergency call out service is in place to deal with port health incidents. 
Communication and Language 
The Council area has several food businesses operating for whom English is not a
first language. This can introduce communication challenges during the course of
inspection and enforcement visits. In order to address this issue, information
leaflets translated into other languages have been produced. A translation service
is available to officers if required during inspections and other meetings. 
Council Operated Food Businesses 
The control of food enforcement in Local Authority catering operations provided by
Facilities and Property Services is a complex and sensitive area of work. These
premises include catering in residential establishments such as those run by the
Council’s Social Work Services as well as schools and nurseries. The service
employs the same approach to enforcement in these premises. 
Approved/Authorised Premises 
There are 13 Approved/Authorised Businesses operating within Renfrewshire, all
of which are Approved/Authorised under Regulation (EC) 853/2004. 
These are: 
DNATA Airline Catering Arran Avenue, Paisley, PA3 2AY
Gate Gourmet Airline
catering
Campsie Drive, Paisley, PA2 8DP
Gormac Foods Sandyford Road, Paisley, PA3 3HP
CFPU RAH Hospital Corsebar Road, Paisley, PA2 9PJ
Scottish Leather Group Seedhil Road, Paisley, PA1 1JL

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Scottish Leather Group Baltic Works, Bridge of Weir
Gleddoch Family Butchers Glasgow Road, Paisley, PA1 3PW
Lomond Cold Store Blackstoun Road, Paisley, PA3 3AF
Rice and Spicy Eddison street, Hillington, G524JW
Muirhead Foods Ltd Lomond Coldstore, Blackstoun Road, Paisley,
UHU Scotland Limited 1 Lyon Road, Linwood, Paisley, PA3 3BQ
M J Stark LTD Sandyford Abbatoir, Sandyford Road, Paisley,
PA3 4HP
Bidfood Glasgow 30 Bramwell Street, Paisley, PA3 2EU 
Events 
A significant number of events are held throughout Renfrewshire on an annual
basis, particularly, but not exclusively, during the summer months. These events
require a food law enforcement presence in response to the level of external food
retailers and caterers providing food for the large number of visitors and this can
result in a minor short-term impact on the food service. 
The Service also works closely with Renfrewshire Council’s Events Team. 
Health & Safety Enforcement
The review of Health & Safety enforcement activities by the UK Government has
influenced the approach in this area. HSE priority planning guidance directs the
work of Local Authorities in relation to Health & Safety, with an emphasis on
targeting resources on higher risk activities and reducing the number of routine
inspections. 
An Intervention Plan based on this guidance has been developed which takes into
account local conditions and priorities. 
Enforcement within Arm’s Length Organisations - Renfrewshire Leisure  
Health & Safety enforcement in arm’s length organisations connected with
Renfrewshire Council presents a challenge to the Local Authority. 
In 2019, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) advised Renfrewshire Council that
enforcement within Council owned leisure facilities operated by arm’s length
organisations is, in accordance with The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the
enforcement responsibility of the Local Authority. 
This presents significant challenges and burdens as there are close relationships
between the Council and One Ren including the corporate control as the Council is
the sole shareholder of the Company.

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The Council does not have outright control of One Ren, as the charity has an
independent board of directors, but it does have the right to appoint and remove
some of the directors.  As a result, strategic decisions affecting the operation of
One Ren are at the very least influenced, and could (in some instances) be
directed, by the Council. 
Further to this, staff from Renfrewshire Council Facilities and Property Services
may be involved in the maintenance of buildings and installations. The buildings
and assets themselves are still within the ownership of the Council and although
the liabilities reside with One Ren, should an incident/accident occur this could
cause a further conflict of interest. 
In addition, the transfer of enforcement responsibility has the potential to add a
significant burden to the workload of the Environmental Health Business
Regulation Team. 
2.4. Performance Management 
Through this Service Plan, Elected Members receive annual performance
information relating to key areas of service provision, including Food Safety and
Health & Safety enforcement, with Managers reviewing performance data provided
within the Microsoft Power Bi application on a monthly basis. Certificates of
Compliance and formal notices are reported to elected members via the
Regulatory Functions Board and Information Bulletin reports. 
Performance reviews are carried out on a six-monthly basis with staff involved in
Food Safety and Health & Safety enforcement, to maintain performance. 
2.5. .Enforcement Policy & Procedures 
An Integrated Enforcement Policy is in place to ensure the consistency of
enforcement across all areas of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure. The
Policy sets standards clearly outlining the level of service which the public and
businesses can expect to receive. It encourages fair and open regulation and
commits the Service to ensuring our enforcement service works with businesses to
assist them in complying with the law. 
Information Systems 
Premises records are held on the Authority Public Protection (APP) system, which
is used to manage the inspection programme and record details of inspections,
accidents, complaints and enquiries.  The database is regularly reviewed and
updated to facilitate the planning of inspection programmes and production of
management reports.

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We moved to SharePoint in 2022 to store our e-files, this has been built on this
year where tablets have been introduced to the team so that documents can be
uploaded to SharePoint directly. This has improved efficiency in the team, reduced
paper waste and support required from the Business Services team. 
Progress towards local, regional and national outcomes is monitored on a monthly
basis using the reporting functions of the system. Statutory returns are made using
data from the APP system. 
3. Service Delivery 
3.1. Food and Health & Safety Premises Inspections 
In accordance with the Food Law Code of Practice (Scotland), all food premises
are risk-assessed for food law. Risk assessments are entered in the Services
database, which generates a target inspection date. A report is generated from the
database of visits due for each officer. The Service undertakes a full inspection
programme based on the risk category of premises. Regulatory activity in relation
to Health and Safety at Work is determined in accordance with the HSE priority
planning guidance. 
The tables below illustrate the number of premises in Renfrewshire in each risk
category for Food Law and Health & Safety. 
Table 3 - Total premises (Food Law) with Group & Rating as of 1 April 2025 
GROUP RATING NUMBER
1 A 17
1 B 12
1 C 6
1 D 0
1 E 0 
TOTAL 35 
GROUP RATING NUMBER
2 A 200
2 B 405
2 C 266
2 D 16
2 E 0 
TOTAL 887

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GROUP RATING NUMBER
3 A 78
3 B 405
3 C 56
3 D 1
3 E 0 
TOTAL 540 
Table 4: Premises per group Rating Category 
Group Number of Premises
1 35
2 887
3 540
Food Standards Only 5
Approved/Authorised 13
Farms 8
Sub Total 1489
Unrated 221
Total 1510 
The Food Law risk rating of a food business is based on a number of elements.
Hygiene, structure, food safety management and food standards are assessed to
determine the risk posed by an establishment and the frequency of intervention by
the local authority. These are numerically scored and used to derive the rating that
is presented as the 'score', A-E; Category E posing the highest risk. 
Table 5: Profile by Health & Safety risk category 
Risk Category Total number in
category
A 4
B1 38
B2 763
C 1334
Unrated 6461
Total 2785 
The tables below illustrate the number of inspections programmed for 2025/26 in
each risk category for Food Law. 
1 Unrated premises have not yet been risk rated (new businesses)

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A total of 813 food law programmed interventions are projected for the 12 months
commencing 1 April 2025. 
Table 6: Food Law Programmed Interventions for 2025/2026 
GROUP RATING NUMBER Frequency
1 A 12 18 months
1 B 12 12 months
1 C 6 6 months
1 D 0 3 months
1 E 0 1 month 
TOTAL 30 
GROUP RATING NUMBER Frequency
2 A 40 24 months
2 B 289 18 months
2 C 264 12 months
2 D 13 3 months
2 E 0 1 month 
TOTAL 606 
GROUP RATING NUMBER Frequency
3 A 3 No proactive
inspections
3 B 120 36 months
3 C 22 24 months
3 D 1 3 months
3 E 0 1 month 
TOTAL 146 
The inspection programme for 2025/26 has been developed to comply fully with
the Food Law Code of Practice (Scotland) and LAC Circular 67/2 (Rev 7) Health &
Safety priority planning.

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So far as the inspection of premises outwith normal working hours is concerned,
our policy is to ensure that, where premises are only open outwith normal hours,
then appropriate provision is made for them to be visited in accordance with at
least the minimum number of visits determined by their risk rating. 
4.8 full time equivalent officers carry out the work of the Business Regulation
team, including 2 Senior EHOs. A trainee FSO also supports the work of the team. 
The staffing allocation to Food Law enforcement is 75% of 4.1 FTE’s, with the
other 25% allocated to Health & Safety enforcement. Officers are allocated
premises within specific geographical areas. 
It is considered that the Service has adequate expertise to provide a competent
and full portfolio of enforcement and educational roles in relation to Food Law and
Health & Safety. However, where necessary, we are able to draw on expertise
from Food Standards Scotland, Glasgow Scientific Services – the Public Analyst,
Health Protection Scotland, the Director of Public Health, Animal and Plant Health
Authority (APHA), The Health & Safety Executive and other local authorities.
There has been a reduction in the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) officers
from 6.8 in 2024/25. Despite proactive recruitment efforts, attracting qualified
officers has proven challenging, a trend mirrored across other Local Authorities
due to a national shortage of suitably trained personnel. To support future
capacity, a trainee Food Safety Officer (FSO) has been appointed and is expected
to be fully qualified by 2026. 
In consultation with Food Standards Scotland (FSS), and in light of current staffing
levels, the team has temporarily deferred a small number of inspections for Group
2 premises. These premises have been carefully risk assessed and identified as
low risk, with a  strong track record of compliance. This approach is reviewed on a
monthly basis and reported to senior management. As staffing levels improve, the
team remains committed to ensuring that all deferred inspections are completed in
a timely manner. 
3.2. Food and Health and Safety Service Requests 
Complaints and Service Requests are dealt with either by the duty Environmental
Health Officer or the officer responsible for the premises which are the subject of
the complaint/request.  All service requests are logged in the APP database
against the premises concerned. 
The Service has documented policies relating to the investigation and handling of
complaints and service requests which ensure that all complaints are investigated
in accordance with the appropriate Code of Practice. All complaints are recorded
and their risk evaluated to distinguish between those which require an on-site
investigation and others which may be resolved by telephone or written advice.

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The numbers of complaints and service requests are detailed by category, for
2024/25 and estimated for the year 2025/26 are shown in the tables and charts
below:   
Table 7 – Food Complaints and Service Requests 2024/2025 
Service Request Category 2024/2025
Advice to Consumer 29
Advice to Business 294
Food Hygiene Complaint 54
Food premises Complaint 35
Food Standards Complaint 32
Section 50 Certificates/
Building warrant
13
Licensing Consultation 145
Imported Food 0
Export Certificate 12
New Food Business Advice 83
other 15
Total  715 
Chart 1- Summary of Complaints and Service Requests for Food

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Table 8- Health and Safety Complaint and Service Requests 2024/25 
Service Request Category 2024/25
Leisure  9
Consumer 6
Retail 1
Catering  3
Hotel 3
Offices 1
Animal Licensing 0
Wholesale 0
RIDDOR 4
Other 18
TOTAL 45 
Chart 2- - Summary of Complaints and Service Requests for Health and Safety

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3.3. Investigation of Accidents 
A procedure is in place for the investigation of notified accidents designed to
ensure consistency and quality of the accident investigation service. 
It is not possible or appropriate to investigate all incidents and a systematic
approach has been adopted to ensure that the more serious incidents are
investigated. 
3.4. Enforcement Management Model (EMM) 
The Guidance in the LAC22/18 along with detailed guidance that was issued for
use by Environmental Health Officers is used to promote consistency of
enforcement between individual officers, LAs and with HSE. 
All officers in the team have been trained in the use of the Enforcement
Management Model. The model is used by officers when considering the most
appropriate action to take in more complex situations which are occasionally
encountered, including serious accident investigations.  It is also used as a
monitoring tool by the Lead Officer- Environmental Health.   
3.5. Home Authority Principle & Primary Authority Scheme 
For companies operating under two or more local council jurisdictions, Primary
Authority provides reliable and consistent regulatory advice from a single source
when dealing with key aspects of Environmental health, Trading Standards, Health
& Safety, and Licensing services. Renfrewshire Council currently has no
partnerships in relation to health & safety advice and enforcement. 
The Primary/Home authority principle is applied when dealing with food complaint
investigations and also routinely in relation to food standards and labelling issues. 
It is considered to be an aid to good enforcement practice. 
The Council has no formal agreements in place to act as a Home Authority with
any specific business, but has listed the following significant establishments as
ones which are considered as home authority/originating authority premises:

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Table 9-  Originating Authority Businesses 
A&A Bakers Moss Road Linwood PA3 3HR
DNATA Arran Avenue Paisley PA3 2AY
AP Jess Sandyford Road Paisley PA3 4HP
Aulds Delicious Desserts Barnsford Avenue Inchinnan PA4 9RG
Bidfood Barnwell Street Renfrew PA3 2EU
Big Bear Bakery 15 Edison Street Hillington Park G52 4JW
Buon Giorno 11A Queen Street Renfrew PA4 8TR
Davidson Butcher Mossedge Paisley PA3 3HR
Diageo Global Supply 1 Argyll Avenue Renfrew PA4 9EA
Diageo Global Supply 500 Renfrew Road Renfrew G51 4SP
Filshill Westway Renfrew PA4 8DJ
G Porrelli & Co Ltd 25 Lacy Street Paisley PA1 1QN
G&A McHarg Dalziel Road Hillington Park G52 4NN
Gate Gourmet Glasgow Airport Paisley PA2 8DP
Gleddoch Family
Butchers
60 Glasgow Road  Paisley PA1 13W
Hannah's of Johnstone 18-20 Walkinshaw
Street
Johnstone PA5 8AB
Henderson Meats Hillington Glasgow PA8 6BS
Ingram Brothers 15 East Lane Paisley PA1 1QA
Jenier Limited Earl Haig Road Hillington G52 4JU
John Scott Meats Sandyford Paisley PA3 3HR
Kismet Lyon Road Linwood PA3 3BQ
Kerry Foods (UK) Ltd) 55-59 Kelvin Avenue Hillington Park G52 4LT
MacSpice/McAusland
Crawford
79/81 Abercorn Street Paisley PA3 4AS
Scottish Leather Ltd Kilbarchan Road Bridge Of Weir PA11
3RL
Rice 'n' Spicy 15 Edison Street Hillington Park G52 4JW
Sutherland Cakes 15-17 Earl Haig Road Hillington G52 5JU
Glasgow Distillery
Company
Deanside Road Renfrew G52 4XB
The Elderslie Scottish
Tablet Co
37 Glenpatrick Road Elderslie PA5 9AE
W P Tulloch 22a Skye Crescent Paisley PA2 8EL
Rise and Grind Roastery 104 Abercorn Street Paisley PA34AY

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3.6. Advice to Business 
The Environmental Health, Business Regulation Team undertakes an on-going
advisory role to all businesses in Renfrewshire.  A range of information and
promotional material is made available for businesses by Environmental Health
Officers during visits.   
3.7. FHIS & EatSafe 
The Food Hygiene Information Scheme continues to operate in Renfrewshire with
around 1300 food premises who sell food to the public being included within the
scope of the scheme. 
Currently 99% of premises within Renfrewshire have a pass certificate. 
There are 12 premises with Eat Safe Awards within Renfrewshire. This is the
highest award in the scheme. These are: 
Table 10 -Eat Safe Award Recipients 
Premises Name Premises Address
Accord Hospice Morton Avenue, Paisley, PA2 7BW
Mosswood Care Home Moss Road, Linwood, PA3 3FA
Capability Scotland Wallace Court, 191 Main Road, Elderslie,
PA5 9EJ
Erskine mains Care Home Meadow drive, Erskine, PA8 7ED
Hanover(Scotland) Housing
Association Newton Court 23 Maree Road, Paisley, PA2 9DH
Hanover(Scotland) Housing
Association, Ailsa Court
23 Walkinshaw Street, Johnstone, PA5
8AF
Hanover(Scotland) Housing
Association Orchard Court
"Orchard Court", Orchard Street, Renfrew,
PA4 8RZ
Hanover(Scotland) Housing
Association, Walikinshaw Court Walkinshaw street, Johnstone, PA5 8AF
Kibble Education & Care Centre Goudie Street, Paisley, PA3 2LG
Holiday Inn Caledonia Way, Glasgow Airport PA3 2TE
Cochrane Care Home Quarrelton Road, Johnstone, PA5 8LQ
Rashilee Care Home Little Inch, 8 Rashilee Avenue, Erskine,
PA8 6HA

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3.8. Sampling     
Renfrewshire Council, along with nine other local authorities have a Service Level
Agreement with Glasgow City Council for the provision of analytical services. 
The analyst service is provided by Glasgow Scientific Services, Colston
Laboratory, 64 Everard Drive, Glasgow G21 1XG. Glasgow Scientific Services are
this Authority’s appointed Public Analyst for chemical analyses of all food samples,
Food Examiner for all microbiological examination of food samples and
Agricultural Analyst for all feeding stuffs samples taken. 
The sampling programme for 2025/26 is attached as Appendix 1 to this Service
Plan. The programme will focus on high-risk premises in Renfrewshire, whilst
reflecting national priorities recommended by FSS and the Scottish Food
enforcement Liaison Committee (SFELC). 
Food sampling will also be undertaken at Glasgow International Airport to monitor
the quality, composition and labelling of foods imported through the airport as part
of the Service’s imported food controls. It is not possible to estimate sample
numbers or types for such sampling due to the variability of volumes of imported
foods which come through the airport. 
3.9. Control and Investigation of Outbreaks and Food Related
Infectious Diseases 
Environment, Housing and Infrastructure works closely with NHS Greater Glasgow
and Clyde Health Board Consultants in Public Health Medicine in outbreak control
situations and the routine investigation of infectious disease. In addition, the
Health Board has produced an outbreak control plan for dealing with major
outbreaks of food related illness to which Renfrewshire Council has had a major
input. 
The Business Regulation Team work in partnership with the Public Health
Protection Unit at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board to ensure the
plan is adhered to. In addition, an outbreak control and investigation of
notifications of food borne disease procedure is in place. 
Present resources within Environment, Housing and Infrastructure are adequate to
meet current levels of notification; however, in the event of a major outbreak, any
required additional resources would be made available by seconding
Environmental Heath Officers and other staff within the service.

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3.10. Food Incidents 
Food incidents are dealt with in accordance with the Food Law Code of Practice
(Scotland). Notifications of incidents are received from Food Standards Scotland
(FSS) by e-mail, phone or through the online system CLIO. In case of
emergencies, an Officer is on stand-by and has contact details for all relevant
members of staff. 
Procedures for food safety incidents are in place and are available to all staff. This
allows for alerts to be appropriately actioned, investigations set in motion and
warnings issued if necessary. Any enforcement activity which is required in
support of an incident is carried out within the terms of the relevant legislation and
the Council’s enforcement policy for assuring the safety of food. 
In addition to responding to notified incidents, Renfrewshire Council will, where
necessary, initiate Food Alerts in accordance with Code of Practice Guidance and
will liaise with Food Standards Scotland in such situations. 
3.11. Health and Safety Interventions 
The Health and Safety programme for 2025/26 has been drawn up having
cognisance to Local Authority Circular, LAC 67/2 (Rev 12) Health & Safety priority
planning. (See Table 11) The LAC provides LAs with guidance and tools for
priority planning and targeting of interventions taking a proportionate and
consistent risk-based approach to enable Renfrewshire Council to meet the
requirements of the National Local Enforcement Authority Code (hse.gov.uk) (the
Code). Planned regulatory activity is focused on improved outcomes and reduced
injuries to employees or members of the public. The Code provides flexibility for
LAs to address local priorities alongside the national priorities set by HSE. 
Table 11 - Health and Safety Priorities 2025/26 
Special Interventions
Electrical Safety at Hospitality venues with outdoor facilities. 
Crowd management at large scale public gatherings. 
Intervention at commercial catering premises using solid fuel cooking
equipment where there may be a risk of carbon monoxide exposure due
to poor ventilation and unsafe appliances.
Intervention in catering establishments using LPG appliances due to risk
of explosion.

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3.12. Liaison with Other Organisations 
To ensure enforcement and other activities carried out by the Service are
consistent with neighbouring Authorities and to ensure best practice, Renfrewshire
Council actively participates in the West of Scotland Food and Health & Safety
Liaison Groups.  The groups meet regularly throughout the year and comprise
representatives from the fourteen authorities, which previously made up
Strathclyde Regional Council, together with representatives from Glasgow
Scientific Services, Food Standards Scotland and the Health & Safety Executive.
The groups are attended by the Lead Officer- Environmental Health, or a suitable
deputy. 
The Service also has formal and informal links to a range of other organisations
and agencies. These Include: 
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board
Association of Port Health Authorities
Royal Environmental Health Institute for Scotland
Society of Chief Officers of Environmental Health in Scotland
Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland
Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee
Health Protection Scotland 
Food Standards Scotland
Health & Safety Executive
Glasgow Scientific Services
Animal and Plant Health Agency
Marine Scotland
Border Force
H.M. Revenue and Customs
APP Scottish Users Group 
4. Resources
`
4.1. Financial Allocation 
The budget detailed below indicates the level of resources available 2025/26 to
deliver the necessary services. As highlighted at 3.1 above the resource allocation
within the Business Regulation Team is 75% on Food Law enforcement and 25%
on Health & Safety enforcement. This split is at the discretion of the Lead Food
Officer  and can be amended to meet service demands.

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Budget 2025/26
Employee Costs £489,000
Supplies and Services £177,000
Travel and Subsistence £0
Training £1600
Total £667,600  
Projected Income Source 2025/26
Export Health Certificates £2400
Sales, Fees and Charges £7600
Miscellaneous Income £150
Total £10,150 
4.2. Staffing Allocation 
Within the context of this plan, the allocation of staff is designed to provide an
effective enforcement service for Food Law and Occupational Health and Safety at
Work on behalf of Renfrewshire Council. 
All Environmental Health Officers and Food Safety Officers are authorised in
accordance with the Food Law Code of Practice (Scotland) commensurate with
their training and experience. A range of additional relevant qualifications are held
including: the REHIS Certificate in the Inspection of Meat and Other Foods,
Certificate in Nutrition & Health and the REHIS Advanced HACCP or equivalent.
Two officers have completed the ISO 9000 Lead Assessors course and 4 current
Food Law officers have attended and passed the Official Controls verification
Course. In addition, all Environmental Health Officers are authorised under the
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 due to having obtained the REHIS
Diploma in Environmental Health, which is recognised as a suitable qualification
for inspectors. One Environmental Health Officer has obtained the NEBOSH
National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. 
The Service secures administrative support from a pool of administrative and
support staff in the Council’s Business Support Service.   
4.3. Employee Development Plan 
The Service is committed to ensuring all officers are suitably qualified, trained and
remain competent in terms of the Food Law Code of Practice (Scotland) and in
terms of Section 18 of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. 
This is facilitated by the provision of in-house training, and all employees have the
opportunity on a rotation basis to attend relevant external training events.

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Any employee attending such a course is required to “cascade” the relevant
information accrued as a result of their attendance to other officers. 
Business Regulation Team meetings are held weekly, where performance,
enforcement and other relevant issues are discussed. Matters arising from the
quality assessment model for inspections, consistency issues and interpretation
issues are discussed. 
Liaison Group minutes are stored in the staff manual for all officers to use.
Relevant points from the Liaison Groups are also discussed at Team meetings.
In addition, all staff have full access to, and are trained in the application of
policies and procedures, which are a requirement of the framework agreement on
local authority food law enforcement. Training records are maintained for each
officer. 
All officers have completed a training needs analysis and will have individual
development plans prepared for 2025/26. 
5. Quality Assessment 
5.1. Quality Assessment & Internal Monitoring 
The Service has a documented “Internal Monitoring Procedure – Internal Checks”
quality assessment model for inspections.  The Lead Officer- Environmental
Health has primary responsibility for carrying out quality assessments within the
Service. The Environmental Health and Community Safety Manager has a
secondary responsibility to oversee the performance of the Lead Officer-
Environmental Health and to ensure that quality assessments are being carried
out consistently throughout the Service. 
The Internal checks include file checks, one-to-one discussions, team discussions
and accompanied inspections. Records of these are retained by the Lead Officer-
Environmental Health and the Head of Climate, Public Protection and Roads.
This quality assessment model facilitates the Service’s requirement in accordance
with annex 2 of the Food Law Code of Practice (Scotland) and the Section 18
guidance issued by the HSE to ensure that all staff engaged in enforcement
activities retain their competence. 
The Lead Officer- Environmental Health reviews a monthly report on the
performance indicators to ensure that the targets are met. The monthly report also
details performance information relating to inspection deadlines, complaints and
service requests received and food sampling activity are also monitored.

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6. REVIEW 2024-25 
6.1. Review of Food Law Activity 
Group Band Estimated Total
Interventions
Actual Interventions
1 A 6 12
1 B 12 9
1 C 7 12
1 D 0 1
1 E 0 0
Total  25 34 
Group Band Estimated Total
Interventions
Actual Interventions
2 A 13 164
2 B 291 175
2 C 276 214
2 D 9 19
2 E 0 15
Total  589 577 
Group Band Estimated Total
Interventions
Actual Interventions
3 A 5 36
3 B 184 115
3 C 65 18
3 D 0 1
3 E 0 0
Total  254 170 
Group Actual
Interventions
Food Standards
Only
N/A 3
Farms N/A 6
Approved
Premises
N/A 12
New Business
Inspections
Group1-
Group2-
Group3-
5
105
51
Advice visits (new
businesses etc)
n/a 23

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Group Actual
Interventions
Food Complaint
visit
n/a 51
Businesses
Ceased Trading
Group1-
Group2-
Group3-
1
141
100
REVISITS  122 
Table 9 - Formal Enforcement Notices 
Type of Notice Total
Remedial Action Notice 19
Hygiene Improvement Notice 16
Voluntary Closure 0
TARP Regulation 17 Notice  1 
Programmed Food Hygiene Inspections: 
The Food Law Code of Practice (Scotland) states that” Intervention programmes
should be planned so that establishments receive an intervention no later than 28
days after the scheduled date as detailed in Annex 5”. 
During the period 1/4/24 to 31/3/25 1356 Food Law interventions were carried out.
Of these 781 were programmed interventions which need to be completed within
28 days specified in the code of practice. 98.1%  of these programmed
interventions were completed within the 28 days. 1.9% interventions were not
completed within the 28 and this was mainly due to access difficulties for example
seasonal operation and issues relating to security access for Glasgow Airport. All
outstanding visits have now been completed or rescheduled for their operational
season. 
6.2. Sampling 2024/25 
A total of 94 samples were taken during the period 2024/25: 51 for microbiological
examination, of which 7 failed and 43 for chemical/ compositional analysis of
which 6 failed to meet compositional standards. (See below):

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Sample detail
Chemical
Analysis/Micro
biological
Examination
Reason for failure
Sweet Chilli Chicken
Breasts
chemical Presence of gluten was undeclared
Lamb Tikka Burger chemical Presence of gluten was undeclared
Roast Beef micro Borderline for Enterobacteriaceae
Beef Link chemical Excess fat not labelled
Beef Sausage chemical Excess fat not labelled
Chicken Mayo Roll micro Borderline for Enterobacteriaceae 
and borderline for Aerobic bacteria
Scotch Pie chemical Below labelled meat content
Red Velvet Cheesecake micro Borderline for Enterobacteriaceae
Ham & Cheese
Sandwich
micro Borderline for Enterobacteriaceae
Sausage Ready Meal micro Borderline for Enterobacteriaceae
Bridie chemical Low meat content
Minced Beef micro Borderline for Aerobic bacteria
Beef Curry micro Borderline for Aerobic bacteria 
Where samples were found to be unsatisfactory, visits to the businesses
concerned were undertaken by officers, the results discussed, and advice given in
respect of how the sample may have failed and how to ensure compliance in
future. Where available, resamples were taken. 
The Sampling Programme including the priorities for 2025/26 are in Appendix 1.

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6.3. Review of Health and safety activity. 
Review of Health and safety activity. 
In the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, the following Health and Safety
interventions were undertaken: 
Intervention
Category
1 April 2024 to
31 March 2025
Accident /
incident/Complaint
investigations
22
New Premises
Interventions
87
Advice visits to
Businesses
2
Interventions 147
Revisits 14
Licensing Visits 37
RIDDOR
reportable
notifications
received
76
Total 385 
Total number of Health and Safety Notices served 2024/25 
Improvement Notices 7
Prohibition Notices  5 
Specific Health and Safety Projects/Interventions carried out 1 April 2024 to 31
March 2025: 
Hotel Interventions 
Interventions were carried out at hotels within the area with the aim of minimising
the risk of health and safety incidents. A total of 19 Hotels were visited as part of the
intervention. General levels of compliance were satisfactory with three Improvement
Notices being served. The first was served on a lack of window restrictors in rooms
above ground level. The second was served on the spacing between spindles on
stairwells being wider than those provided for in regulation. The final improvement
notice was served on an inoperable light within the electrical cupboard. All notices
were complied with, requiring no further action.

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Craft Bakeries where loose flour is used: Bakeries where staff are at risk of
frequent inhalation of loose flour particles were visited in an effort to reduce the risk
of occupational asthma. The intervention took place within three bakeries in the
area and overall standards were found to be generally satisfactory with no
enforcement action required. 
Legionella controls in hotel water systems: The interventions focused on the
control of Legionella within the water systems within hotels. 
Due to the scope of this subject, it was decided to carry it out as a standalone
intervention rather than being combined with the hotel interventions. The three
hotels chosen for this intervention were done so on a risk based basis.
Recommendations and advice were given to all businesses and follow up checks
where defects were noted, were carried out. 
Residential Care Homes:  Residential Care homes received interventions to
minimise the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) arising from moving and
handling of residents. Recommendations and advice were provided with no formal
action being taken. 
6.4. Areas for Improvement 
Officers have been provided with tablets for use whilst carrying out their duties. This
is to allow for more efficient processing of administration work during and post
visits. The use of the Power BI system will continue during 2025/26 to assist in
performance monitoring and review. The electronic filing system continues to be
used with more efficient ways of using it being explored. 
7. Emerging Issues 2025/26 
Food Crime 
This continues to be a focus for FSS and Food Authorities. It is expected that due to
the challenges post pandemic, Brexit and the cost-of-living crisis that there will be
an increase in Food Fraudulent activity. This in turn will have resource implications
for the service. Food Crime erodes confidence and disempowers consumers. This
leads in turn to financial losses, negative economic impact and poses a threat to
jobs and exports. Tackling food crime is so Nationally/Internationally important that
The Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU) was established and the
Business Regulation Team already work closely with this team and will continue to
build on the established working relationships with them and other partner
Agencies.

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Brexit 
The challenges and uncertainties relating to the UK exit from the EU remain.
Officers regularly attend meetings in relation to port issues and discussions
continue into inland import checks and the impacts that this may have on the
service.

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Appendix 1 
Climate, Public Protection and Roads 
BUSINESS REGULATION 
FOOD SAMPLING PROGRAMME 
2025/26

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8. Introduction 
The annual sampling programme for 2025-26 is designed to fulfil aims and
objectives in line with the Services Food Sampling Policy. The programme outlines
the sampling priorities for the year, however it is recognised that circumstances
and priorities may change, which require the programme to be flexible in order to
respond to these changing circumstances. 
Most samples are taken informally for the purpose of monitoring, surveillance and
information gathering however; formal samples will be taken where enforcement
action is anticipated. Environmental Health Officers, Food Safety Officers and
other authorised officers are responsible for undertaking the food sampling
functions of the Council. 
At present there is a Service Level Agreement in place with Glasgow City Council
to provide analytical services to Renfrewshire Council. The analyst is: Glasgow
Scientific Services, Colston Laboratory, 64 Everard Drive, Glasgow, G21 1XG. 
9. Approach to Sampling 
Renfrewshire Council complies with the requirements of the Food Safety
(Sampling and Qualifications) Regulations 1990 and the Food Law Code of
Practice. The sampling programme for 2025/26 is designed to be more focused on
high risk/high value products which are manufactured in Renfrewshire. Focussing
on these items will ensure that those which pose the greatest risk to the public of
Renfrewshire are adequately controlled. 
9.1. Informal Samples 
An informal sample may be taken covertly, however; the food business operator
will always be informed of the results of the sample where this fails. For
enforcement purposes formal sampling must be undertaken overtly. 
9.2. Formal Samples 
In accordance with the Council Integrated Enforcement Policy, which promotes
action which is consistent, fair and proportionate, formal samples will generally be
taken after routine samples have been found to fail statutory requirements and no
satisfactory remedial action has been taken.

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9.3. Sampling Priorities 
Food Standards Scotland and The Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee
have identified, through intelligence, the areas deemed to be priorities in terms of
sampling. 
The priority plan considers the Scottish perspective but also takes account of the
UK. FSA. priorities. In addition to National priorities, Renfrewshire Council will
focus on areas of particular interest to the authority. 
9.4. Manufacturing/Approved Premises 
Renfrewshire Council will continue to concentrate on sampling from manufacturers
and approved premises in our area. These premises will be sampled at least
annually. Where possible, samples will be taken in advance of Food Hygiene/Food
Standards inspections in order to discuss sample results with the food business
operator. 
9.5. Sampling Plan 2025/26 
The sampling plan for 2025/26 outlines the project work to be undertaken by
Renfrewshire Council in high-risk areas. The sampling plan is outlined at point 4.0. 
9.6. Complaints and Food Borne Disease Investigations 
In response to complaints and notifications of food borne disease received the
service may opt to take samples in order to resolve any issues arising as a result
of any investigations. 
9.7. Co-ordinated Sampling 
Where appropriate, the Service will participate in food surveillance programmes
arranged by regional and national bodies such as Food Standards Scotland,
SFELC and the West of Scotland Food Liaison Group. 
9.8. Imported Food 
In order to monitor the quality, composition and labelling of imported foods,
samples of foods imported through Glasgow Airport will be submitted to the Public
analyst for examination.

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9.9. Special Investigations 
There may be circumstances whereby an incident will require special investigation
and resources may have to be directed towards dealing with the investigation. In
addition, this may involve liaison with other partners including Health Protection
Scotland and Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board. 
9.10. Sampling Priority Actions 
The following topics have been identified as priority actions by FSS and will  be the
subject of sampling activity during 2025/26, along with other local surveillance
activities. 
Description Premises
Type
Analysis Required Samples
agreed
Tomatoes Retail  Salmonella 1
Ready to eat
salad leaves
Retail  Salmonella, L. mono (detection
and enumeration), STEC
1
Beansprouts Retail  Salmonella, L. mono (detection
and enumeration), STEC
1
Unpasteurised
French cheese
Retail and
Caterers 
Salmonella, L. mono (detection
and enumeration), STEC
1
Sunflower,
sesame and chia
seeds 
Retail  Salmonella 2
Oat ‘milk’ Retail  Bacillus cereus 1
Vegan cheese
alternatives
Retail  Salmonella, L. mono (detection
and enumeration)
1
Imported
tomatoes and
peppers
Retail  Cadmium 1
Eggs Retail  PFAS 1
Dried Figs Retail  Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A 1
Fresh or frozen
tuna or mackerel
Retail  Histamine 2

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Description Premises
Type
Analysis Required Samples
agreed
Flaxseed
(linseed)
Retail  Cadmium 2
Magnesium,
calcium or iron
supplements
Retail  Accuracy of declaration,
Labelling, Health claims
1
Sunflower or
rapeseed oil
Retail  FAME (for authenticity) 1
Garlic powder or
granules
Retail Peanut and Gluten 1
Dairy-free Indian
takeaway meals
Caterers Milk 1 
9.11. Routine Sampling 
The project sampling initiatives listed above will be the focus of sampling activities
however, in the course of routine work, officers will take samples as appropriate.
This sampling will focus on locally produced foods and manufacturing businesses
within Renfrewshire.

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Appendix 2

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Environment, Housing and Infrastructure
Renfrewshire Council
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1BR