Food Safety Act 1990

Here is the Complete Act: Food Safety Act 1990

For Information:

Legal Compliance – Food Safety in Kitchen area:

The law requires that food premises are designed to prevent pest access and where necessary screening is provided to prevent a risk of infestation and/or contamination. Having no pest control will often result in prosecution with fines up to £20,000 and up to two years imprisonment.

(Extracts From) FOOD HYGIENE (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990 (UNDER REGULATIONS 2 (B) AND 4 (C)The above regulations state that “The walls, floors, doors, windows, ceiling, woodwork and all other parts of the structure of every food room shall be kept clean and shall be kept in such good order, repair and condition as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable the entry of birds, and any risk of infestation by rats, mice, insects or other pests”.

(Extracts From) FOOD SAFETY ACT 1990 Section 21 provides the defence of “due diligence” in any proceedings for an offence if the person charged is able to prove that all reasonable precautions were taken and due diligence exercised to avoid the offence being committed. Actions taken to prevent or control pests by engaging the services of a professional pest control company may be put forward as part of a due diligence defence.

It is recommended that any establishment that stores, prepares, holds, cooks or serves food for human consumption, including packaged confectionery – engage the services of a qualified pest control company.

FOOD SAFETY (GENERAL FOOD HYGIENE) REGULATIONS 1995 Chapter 1 section 2 c of the above regulations (Legal requirements) states that “Food businesses must take all reasonable precautions to prevent food pests, namely rats, mice, cockroaches, and flying insects gaining entry into food storage and preparation areas”. This is to prevent the contamination of foodstuffs.

Chapter 11 section 1d of the above regulations (Legal requirement) states that “Windows and other openings which can be opened to the outside environment must where necessary be fitted with insect proof screens”. It goes on to say that windows must be screened if:

• They open directly into food preparation areas.
• They are opened for ventilation during food preparation.
• Screening is necessary to prevent a risk of infestation and / or contamination.

“Actions taken to prevent or control pests by engaging the services of a professional pest control company – may be put forward as part of a due diligence defence.”

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