Although we periodically take samples from the bigger food manufacturers, our focus is the small and medium-sized businesses that make or sell goods locally.
An open policy gives us freedom to sample from relevant premises during regular programmed inspections.
But we will also:
-
Participate in national programmes identified by the Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee.
-
Take part in other sampling surveys agreed at the West of Scotland Food Liaison Group.
-
Sample whenever requested by Food Standards Scotland.
-
Collaborate with other agencies in national and local projects to promote public health, to detect counterfeit sales or to deter potential fraudulent food activities.
-
Sample following complaints by consumers or industry trade groups.
-
Where national or local intelligence determines a need such as trends in problematic food products or retailer categories.
-
Offer free advice to food business operators on food standards and where resources allow, a limited free sampling service to support fledgling and local 'start up' food businesses.
Contact us to request details of our sampling policy.
