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Business Regulation Service Plan 2023-2024 CaH 22 08 23

Renfrewshire Council · 22 August 2023
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 22 August 2023 and its agenda

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To:  Communities and Housing Policy Board 
On:  22 August 2023 
Report by: Director of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure 
Heading: Business Regulation Service Plan 2023/2024 
1. Summary 
1.1 Renfrewshire Council is required by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) to
produce a Service Plan to provide detail on the work being undertaken in
Food Law across Renfrewshire Council. 
1.2 The team who cover this for Renfrewshire Council (Business Regulation
Team within Environment, Housing and Infrastructure) also lead on workplace
health and safety and other areas of Environmental Health work which are
included within the plan. 
1.3 The Service Plan sets out the objectives, what work is undertaken, service
delivery, resources and quality assurance. 
1.4 The Business Regulation Service Plan 2023/24 is attached to this report as an
appendix. 
2. Recommendations 
It is recommended that the Communities and Housing Policy Board: 
2.1 Approves the Business Regulation Service Plan 2023/24. 
3. Background 
3.1 Business Regulation forms part of the Climate, Public Protection and Roads
Service within Environment, Housing and Infrastructure.

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3.2 The team 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. 
3.3 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. 
3.4 Section 18 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 puts 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 HSE’s Field Operation Directorate should put in
place to meet this duty. 
3.5 The Business Plan 2023/24 highlights the work undertaken by the Business
Regulation Team, the current position with regards to premises (as of 1 April
2023) and the planned work for the coming 12 months. 
3.6 Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Minister for Public Health and Sport
granted local authorities a deviation from the Food Law Code of Practice
(Scotland) The deviation was reviewed and extended several times
throughout 2020 and 2021 and ended on 1 September 2021. 
3.7 As a result, and in agreement with Food Standards Scotland, all local
authorities were required to produce and submit an updated Service Plan
detailing how they were going to inspect premises and recover from the Covid
pandemic in the coming years. 
3.8 The Board should note that whilst some programmed interventions at lower
risk groups ceased over the 18 months from 1 September 2021 to 31 March
2023, a risk-based approach was taken to ensure higher risk premises such
as approved premises, those in Group 1 and newly registered businesses,
maintained a high standard. 
3.9 In addition, intelligence driven interventions at all food business
establishments continued where possible. Intelligence included information
that suggested fraudulent activity or risk to public health, e.g. consumer
complaints, or credible allegations of food poisoning. 
Implications of the Report 
1. Financial – none 
2. HR & Organisational Development - none

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3. Community Planning
Renfrewshire is safe – By implementing the attached Service Plan,
Environment, Housing and Infrastructure will 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 
11. Privacy Impact - none 
12. CoSLA Policy Position - None 
13. Climate Risk - None 
List of Background Papers   
None 
Author:   Robert Marshall, Environmental Health (Business Regulation) Manager           
e-mail:  Robert.marshall@renfrewshire.gov.uk

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1
A
Business Regulation 
Service Plan 2023-2024
Environment, Housing and Infrastructure

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Business Regulation
Service Plan 2023-2024 
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Contents
1.  Service Aims and Objectives .............................................................. 4 
1.1.  Aims and Objectives .............................................................................. 4 
1.2.  Links to Corporate Objectives and Plans .............................................. 4 
1.3.  Overview ................................................................................................ 5 
2.  Background ........................................................................................ 5 
2.1.  Organisational Structure ....................................................................... 5 
Role of Public Protection within Climate, Public Protection and Roads .................. 5 
Environment, Housing and Infrastructure ............................................................... 6 
2.2.  Scope of the Service .............................................................................. 6 
2.3.  Local Authority Covid-19 Recovery Project ........................................... 7 
2.4.  Demands on the Service ....................................................................... 8 
2.5.  Performance Management ................................................................. 12 
2.6.  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 ................................................................... 17 
3.4.  Enforcement Management Model (EMM) ............................................ 17 
3.5.  Home Authority Principle & Primary Authority Scheme...................... 17 
3.6.  Advice to Business ............................................................................... 19

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3.7.  FHIS & EatSafe ..................................................................................... 19 
3.8.  Sampling ............................................................................................. 20 
3.9.  Control and Investigation of Outbreaks and Food Related Infectious
Diseases ............................................................................................... 21 
3.10.  Food Incidents ..................................................................................... 22 
3.11.  Liaison with Other Organisations ........................................................ 22 
4.  Resources ......................................................................................... 23 
4.1.  Financial Allocation ............................................................................. 23 
4.2.  Staffing Allocation ............................................................................... 23 
4.3.  Employee Development Plan .............................................................. 24 
5.  Quality Assessment .......................................................................... 25 
5.1.  Quality Assessment & Internal Monitoring .......................................... 25 
6.  Review 2021-23 ................................................................................ 25 
6.1.  Review of Food Law Activity ................................................................ 25 
6.2.  Review of Health and safety activity. ................................................... 27 
6.3.  Areas for Improvement ........................................................................ 29 
7.  Emerging Issues 2023/24 ................................................................. 29 
Appendix:   Climate, Public Protection and Roads Staff Structure

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Service Plan 2023-2024 
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1. Service Aims and Objectives
1.1. Aims and Objectives 
The Food and Health & Safety Service is provided by Environment, Housing and
Infrastructure, Climate, Public Protection and Roads. This function is delivered by the
Environmental Health, Business Regulation Team. Which is based within the Climate,
Public Protection and Roads area of the Service. 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:
o Apply the relevant legislation at premises regulated by the Local Authority in line
with the Scottish regulators’ strategic code of practice.
o Work in partnership with agencies such as Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to achieve nationally agreed strategic aims,
o Ensure that all staff undertaking enforcement activity are properly qualified and
competent to undertake their duties,
o Operate a risk based approach to inspection and regulation,
o Carry out a programme of specific, targeted and appropriate interventions in order
to improve food safety, quality and health & safety standards,
o Work with local businesses in an open and transparent manner,
o 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 2023-24 contributes to
Climate, Public Protection and Roads outcomes as well as Renfrewshire Council’s
Corporate Objectives and Plans. 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.

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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 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 the Climate, Public Protection and Roads service. (Appendix 2)
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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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. 
2.3. Local Authority Covid-19 Recovery Project 
The measures taken by UK and Scottish Governments in March 2020 in response to the
Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the closure of a large proportion of food establishments.
Additionally, physical distancing requirements meant that Local Authority Authorised
Officers were prevented from conducting routine, programmed interventions/Official
Controls at most of those businesses who continued trading. 
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) secured Ministerial agreement to allow a relaxation from
the Food Law Code of Practice and the Interventions Code of Practice. This relaxation
ended on 31 August 2021. 
Food Standards Scotland acknowledged that Local Authorities intervention programmes
would be adversely affected as numerous interventions would not be undertaken when
due and create a backlog of ‘missed’ interventions. In Renfrewshire this figure was around
1012 missed inspections at the time the programme re-started.

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It was, consequently, agreed that measures to address this situation should be considered
and a project should be delivered in order to enable all Local Authorities to rectify the
position. This had the principle aim of delivering a clear and accurate Local Authority and
national view of the food establishment profile – including the Food Law Rating System
(FLRS) risk-rating of all establishments and the Local Authority capacity to undertake the
necessary Official Controls therein. 
The backlog of inspections in all but the lower risk Group 3B category have been
completed. These will be done within the 48-month period (end September 2025) as
agreed with Food Standards Scotland and will be incorporated into the annual inspection
programmes going forward from April 2023. 
The 2023/24 Business Regulation Service plan provides data and information for the
period 1 September 2021 to 31 March 2023. 
2.4. Demands on the Service 
Table 1: Profile of food businesses in Renfrewshire
Premises Number
Caring Establishment 179
Hotels and Guest Houses 26
Mobile Traders 54
Primary Food Producers 10
Pubs/Clubs 154
Restaurant/ Caterer 407
Takeaway Premises 219
Retail 357
Schools and Colleges 82
Manufacturers and Packers 46
Importers/Exporters 8
Distributors/Transporters 23
TOTAL 1563

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Table 2: Profile of Businesses for Health & Safety Enforcement
Premises Number
Retail 757
Wholesale 119
Offices 323
Catering 565
Hotels etc 26
Residential Care 19
Leisure 195
Consumer Services 424
Others 64
Total 2429 
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. 
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.

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There are also currently 2 businesses which operate flight catering within the airport estate
and these are subject to inspection by the service.
EHOs operate on a rota basis, 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 and any other Environmental Health related emergencies. 
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 9 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
Gormack Foods Sandyford Road, Paisley, PA3 3HP
CFPU RAH Hospital Corsebar Road, Paisley, PA2 9PJ
Scottish Leather Group Seedhil Road, Paisley, PA1 1JL
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

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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 Councils 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 – OneRen 
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, are: 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. 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.

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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.
2.5. Performance Management 
Elected Members receive quarterly reports on performance in key areas including Food
Safety/Health & Safety enforcement and Managers provide an operational update at a bi-
monthly Management Meeting. 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.
2.6. 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.
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.

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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
GROUP RATING NUMBER
1 A 7
1 B 11
1 C 6
1 D 0
1 E 0 
TOTAL 24
GROUP RATING NUMBER
2 A 27
2 B 532
2 C 292
2 D 24
2 E 0 
TOTAL 875
GROUP RATING NUMBER
3 A 38
3 B 432
3 C 139
3 D 1
3 E 0 
TOTAL 610

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Table 4: Premises per group Rating Category
Group Number of Premises
1 24
2 875
3 610
Food Standards Only 3
Approved 9
Farms 8
Sub Total 1529
Unrated 45
Total 1574 
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. Where a business have registered with the service but
are awaiting inspection, these are listed as “unrated”.
Table 5: Profile by Health & Safety risk category 
Risk Category Total number in category
A 1
B1 33
B2 764
C 1565
Unrated 465
Total 2828 
The tables below illustrate the number of inspections programmed for 2023/24 in each risk
category for Food Law. 
A total of 903 food law programmed interventions are projected for the 12 months
commencing 1 April 2023.

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Table 6: Food Law Programmed Interventions for 2023/2024
GROUP RATING NUMBER
1 A 3
1 B 10
1 C 6
1 D 0
1 E 0 
TOTAL 19
GROUP RATING NUMBER
2 A 9
2 B 399
2 C 284
2 D 19
2 E 0 
TOTAL 711
GROUP RATING NUMBER
3 A 1
3 B 105
3 C 66
3 D 1
3 E 0 
TOTAL 173 
The inspection programme for 2023/24 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.
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.
7.0 full time equivalent officers carry out the work of the Business Regulation team,
including the Business Regulation Manager. The staffing allocation to food law
enforcement is 75% of 7.0 FTE’s, with the other 25% allocated to Health & Safety
enforcement. Officers are allocated premises within specific geographical areas.

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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.
3.2. Food and Health and Safety Service Requests
Complaints and Service Requests are dealt either by the duty Business Regulation Officer
or by 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. The
numbers of complaints and service requests, detailed by category, estimated for the year
2023/24 are shown in the table below:   
Table 7 - Estimated Complaints and Service Requests 2023/2024
Service Request Category Requests   Sept.01 /21 -
March 31 /2023
Estimated Requests 2023/2024
Advice to Consumer 14 40
Advice to Business 81 100
Food Hygiene Complaint 65 60
Food premises Complaint 51 50
Food Standards 29 30
Section 50 Certificates/ Building
warrant
8 10
Licensing Consultation 75 250
Imported Food 2 2
H&S Enquiries 32 
other 3 
Total  329 540

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The number of service requests received in the period Sept.1/2021 to March 31/2023
appear lower than predicted. It is likely that service requests remain an area where there is
under reporting by officers, and this has been addressed at team meetings.  
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
EHOs 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 management.
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 8- - 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
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
Faodail Foods 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
Linburn Farm Linburn Erskine PA8 6AW
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
Dargavel Brewery West Glen Farm Langbank PA146YL
Rise and Grind Roastery 104 Abercorn Street Paisley PA34AY

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Business Regulation
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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
1500 food premises who sell food to the public being included. 
Currently 98% of premises within Renfrewshire have a pass certificate. 
The scheme is currently under review by Food Standards Scotland. The review will take
account of the changes to the food law code of practice and the introduction of the risk
rating scheme for food law.
There are 12 premises with Eat Safe Awards within Renfrewshire. This is the highest award
in the scheme. These are: 
Table 7 -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 1 Ailsa Drive, Paisley, PA2 8HE
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
Leaps and Bounds Nursery 23 Clarence Street, Paisley, PA1 1PU
Rashilee Care Home Little Inch, 8 Rashilee Avenue, Erskine, PA8 6HA

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Business Regulation
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3.8. Sampling     
Renfrewshire Council, along with 9 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 2023/24 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 this sampling at present.
The Health and Safety programme for 2023/24 has been drawn up with reference to Local
Authority Circular, LAC 67/2 (Rev 12) Health & Safety priority planning. (See Table 8) 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 focussed 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.

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Business Regulation
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Table 8 Health and Safety Priorities 2023/24
Special Interventions
Carry out special interventions at animal visitor attractions in an effort to reduce
the risk of contamination especially to children.
Carry out special interventions for safety in swimming pools and spas where
Health & Safety is enforced by the Local Authority to reduce the risk to employees
and the public from Health & Safety and Public Health incidents.
Carry out special interventions at children’s indoor soft play visitor attractions in
an effort to reduce the risk of accidents to children.
Carry out special interventions at commercial catering establishments to assess
gas safety and where the risk of carbon monoxide may be present.
Carry out special interventions at premises, especially licensed premises that use
stored gas to minimise the risk of explosion. 
Proactive inspection of industrial retail/wholesale premises to ensure adequate
control of work at height, workplace transport and loading and unloading of
vehicles. 
Intervention to ensure that Cellar Safety is being adhered to in licensed premises.
Intervention to ensure Legionella controls are in place.
Carry out special interventions in relation to Crowd management at large scale
events.
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 this authority 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
from other service areas.

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3.10. Food Incidents
Food incidents are dealt with in accordance with the relevant codes of practice the Food
Law Code of Practice (Scotland) Notifications of incidents are received from Food
Standards Scotland (FSS) by e-mail or telephone. 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. 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 14 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 Business Regulation Manager 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

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Business Regulation
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 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 2023/24 to deliver the
necessary services. As highlighted at 3.1 above the resource allocation within the Business
Regulation Team is 75% of Food Law enforcement and 25% on Health & Safety
enforcement. This split is at the discretion of the Environmental Health - Business
Regulation Manager and can be amended where there is a service demand.
Budget 2023/24
Employee Costs £520,140
Supplies and Services £173,347
Travel and Subsistence £0
Training £1600
Total £695,087 
Projected Income Source 2023/24
Export Health Certificates £300
Sales, Fees and Charges £0
Miscellaneous Income £5000
Total £5,300
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.

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Business Regulation
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24
All food enforcement 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 Advanced Food Hygiene Diploma, the
REHIS Certificate in the Inspection of Meat and Other Foods, Certificate in Nutrition &
Health and the RIPHH Certificate in HACCP Principles. Three officers have completed the
ISO 9000 Lead Assessors course and All current Food Law officers have attended and
passed the Official Controls verification Course.
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. 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 2023/24.

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Business Regulation
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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 Business Regulation Manager has primary
responsibility for carrying out quality assessments within the Service. The Head of Climate,
Public Protection and Roads has a secondary responsibility to oversee the performance of
the Business Regulation Manager 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 Business Regulation
Manager 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 Business Regulation Manager 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.
6. Review 2021-23
6.1. Review of Food Law Activity
Group Band Estimated Total Interventions Actual Interventions
1 A 1 5
1 B 12 23
1 C 6 9
1 D 4 2
1 E 0 0
Total  23 39

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Business Regulation
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26
Group Band Estimated Total Interventions Actual Interventions
2 A 7 23
2 B 420 400
2 C 370 402
2 D 102 69
2 E 0 0
Total  899 894
Group Band EstimatedTotal Interventions Actual Interventions
3 A 6 25
3 B 350 156
3 C 164 45
3 D 32 2
3 E 0 0
Total  552 228 
Group Estimated Total
Interventions
Actual Interventions
Food Standards Only N/A 5 0
Farms N/A 11 5
Approved Premises N/A 9 5
New Business
Inspections
Group1-3
Group2-167
Group3-44 
214
Businesses Ceased
Trading
Group1-3
Group2-123
Group3-39 
165
REVISITS  ~254 194
Table 9 - Estimated Formal Enforcement Notices 
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”.
Type of Notice Estimated Number Actual
Remedial Action Notice 6 16   
Hygiene Improvement Notice 11 24
Voluntary Closure 12 5
H&S Improvement Notice 8 28
H&S Prohibition Notice 4 21

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Business Regulation
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27
During the period 1/9/21 to 31.3.23 1171 Food Law interventions were carried out. 92%
(1081) interventions were completed within the 28 days specified in the code of practice.
8% (90) Interventions were not completed within the 28 and this was mainly due to access
difficulties brought about by the pandemic where businesses changed their operating
model such as, operating only at weekends or temporary closure. In additional some
seasonal businesses were included within this grouping. A total of 12 visits are outstanding
from this grouping however, it is likely that some of this number have permanently closed
and officers are attempting to contact the business operators.
Sampling: The review against sampling is included in the Sampling Programme attached
at Appendix 1.
6.2. Review of Health and safety activity.
In the year 1 September 2021 to 31 March 2023, the following Health and Safety
interventions were undertaken:
Intervention Category 1 September 2021 to
31 March 2023
Estimated work to be
undertaken 2023/24
Accident / incident/Complaint investigations 16 10
New Premises Interventions 149 100
Advice visits to Businesses 10 10
Interventions 85 60
Revisits 25 25
Licensing Visits 51 30
RIDDOR reportable notifications received 111 100
Total 336 235 
Specific Health and Safety Projects/Interventions carried out 1 September 2021 to 31
March 2023:
Gas Safety Interventions
Special interventions at commercial catering establishments to assess gas safety and
where the risk of explosion or carbon monoxide may be present were carried out. As well
as being a National priority theme, this was an important local intervention due an
incident where on call Environmental Health Officers were called by the gas provider
following a gas leak into a tenemental property. Investigations established that the owner
of a takeaway beneath the residential properties had previously been disconnected and
had his meter removed. He had then by-passed the system from the emergency cut off

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Business Regulation
Service Plan 2023-2024 
28
valve with garden hose and adhesive tape and reconnected his gas equipment. A report
was prepared for the procurator fiscal but the owner disappeared before the case could be
progressed. As can be seen from the results of the interventions, this is an area of concern.
A total of 37 interventions were carried out with 22 businesses being found non-compliant.
10 Prohibition, 13 Improvement Notices and 9 written warnings were issued as a result. 2 of
the businesses were found to have forged gas safety certificates. The businesses
concerned received follow up checks to ensure compliance.
Animal visitor attractions Intervention
An intervention was carried out at an animal visitor attraction to reduce the risk of
contamination especially to children. Some recommendations were made to the
management and these were put in to place.
Golf Course Intervention
11 interventions were carried out at all private Golf courses within Renfrewshire to ensure
safety in golf course operations. 1 prohibition notice was issued to one business and no
other formal warnings were issued. Recommendations and advice were issued to all of the
businesses.
Legionella Intervention
The interventions focused on premises providing hot tubs or spa baths within a hotel
setting or those with multiple lodge style accommodation and individual hot tub. A total of
5 businesses were visited.
One business received a written warning for structural defects and 2 for inappropriate
cleaning regimes and use of chemicals. Recommendations and advice were given to all
businesses and follow up checks where defects were noted, were carried out.
Health & Safety in Care Homes  
Three interventions were carried out at care homes, triggered by RIDDOR reports where
service users had sustained fractures from falling. Although the interventions concentrated
on moving and handling of service users, all aspects of Health and Safety were examined
during the visits. No issues were found and no warning letters were issued as a result.

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Business Regulation
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29
6.3. Areas for Improvement
Further development of the APP electronic database will take place during 2023/24. In
addition, the power BI system will be used to assist in performance monitoring and review.
An electronic filing system for Business Regulation premises files has been initiated and
this is expected to be complete by year ending 2023/24
7. Emerging Issues 2023/24
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.
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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30
Environment, Housing and Infrastructure
Renfrewshire Council
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1BR

Page 34

Appendix 1 
Climate, Public Protection and Roads 
BUSINESS REGULATION 
FOOD SAMPLING PROGRAMME 
2023/24

Page 35

1. Introduction
1.1 The annual sampling programme for 2023-24 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.
1.2 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. 
1.3 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.
2. 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 2023/24 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. 
2.1 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.
2.2 Formal Samples
In accordance with the Renfrewshire 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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2.3 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.
2.4 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.
2.5 Sampling Plan 2023/24
The sampling plan for 2023/24 outlines the project work to be undertaken by Renfrewshire
Council in high-risk areas. The sampling plan is outlined at point 4.0.
3. 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.
3.1 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.
3.2 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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3.3 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. 
4. Priority Actions
The following topics have been identified as priority actions by FSS and will be the subject
of sampling activity during 2023/24, along with other local surveillance activities.
Food Type Premises Type Testing parameters Number of
Samples
Dry spices and spice
mixes Retailers Salmonella 3
Cultivated 'exotic', fresh
mushrooms (e.g. Enoki
mushrooms)
Retailers
Listeria monocytogenes
detection and
enumeration, generic E.coli
3
Cooked and cured sliced
meats and smoked fish Retailer
Listeria monocytogenes
detection and
enumeration, generic
E.coli,
3
Blue veined and mould-
ripened cheese Retailers
Listeria monocytogenes
detection and
enumeration, generic
E.coli,
3
Cooked shellfish Retailers 
Listeria monocytogenes
detection and
enumeration, generic
E.coli,
3
Pate  Retailers
Listeria monocytogenes
detection and
enumeration, generic E.coli
3
Flour
Manufacturers
Retailers
Bake houses
STEC, generic E. coli
3
Rice and noodle dishes Catering Bacillus cereus 3
Dried figs Retailers Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A 3
Domestic, fresh fin-fish,
cephalopods and
crustacean
Manufacturers
Processors
Retailers
Heavy metals, PFAS, iAs
3
Spinach  Retailers Heavy metals (lead,
cadmium, mercury)
3
Pre-packed beef mince Retail Fat & Connective tissue 3

Page 38

Naan bread and other
flat breads Retail Propionic acid 3
Frozen processed pork
products Retailers Meat Speciation 3
Frozen processed beef
products Retailers Meat Speciation 3
Coffee (drink) Caterers Milk 3
Egg-free take away meals Caterers Egg 3
4.1 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.
Review 
A total of 187 samples were taken during the period of 1st September 2021 – 31st March
2023: 63 for microbiological examination of which, 13 failed for high numbers of
bacteria including pathogens such as E.coli and 124 for chemical/ compositional
analysis of which 6 failed to meet compositional standards including; undeclared
allergens, low meat content, substitution and additive levels above legal maximum. 
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.

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Appendix 2