The Commercial Team has the responsibility for enforcing food safety legislation in
food premises. The aim is the protection of public health in relation to food. The
Council signed up to the enforcement concordat in 1998 and copies of the
enforcement policy are available at the Council offices. This is to ensure that all
enforcement decisions are based on the principles of good enforcement.

Click on the icon below for a blank form.

Application Form for Registration of Food Premises

e-mail to h.johnson@stalbans.gov.uk

St Albans City and District Council Food Register is available to view at the Council
offices.

Click on the icon to view the Food Register.

Food Register

Provider: Environmental Services Commercial Team
Telephone: 01727 - 819444
Fax: 01727 - 819433
e-mail: h.johnson@stalbans.gov.uk

Question -

1. I want to start a food business in St Albans City and District, What do I have to
   do?
2. Can I run a food business from home?
3. How often do food businesses have to be inspected by Environmental Health
   Officers?
4. I have visited a food premise and the kitchens were filthy what should I do?
5. I have become ill after eating at a local restaurant?
6. How can I make a complaint about an item of food I have brought?
7. How can I make a complaint about an item of food which has passed its used by
   date?
8. Does St Albans provide hygiene training for people in food business?
   

I want to start a food business in St Albans City and District, What do I have to do?

Response:
You will need to register your premises with us at least 28 days before starting a new food business. A downloadable form is available at the top of this page or you can contact the Food Safety team.

Can I run a food business from home?

Response:
You will need to check with the planning department to see whether you need planning permission. Your business will need to be registered with the Food Team and you will need to demonstrate a knowledge of food hygiene principles.

How Often do Food Business Have to be inspected by Environmental Health
Officers?

Response:
A data base of all food businesses is held on computer and the frequency of
inspections depends on the risk associated with a particular premise (eg a large
restaurant poses a higher potential risk than a shop selling packaged foods). Food
inspections are carried out daytime, evenings and weekends to check compliance with food hygiene regulations.

I Have Visited a Food Premise and the Kitchens were Filthy What Should I do?

Response:
All complaints made to the Commercial Team are investigated. If you leave your
name and address a written response will be provided. If you wish to remain
anonymous your complaint will still be investigated Telephone 01727 - 819440.

I Have Become Ill after Eating at a Local Restaurant?

Response:
Click on Food Poisoning Questionnaire (to save time down load one of these and e-
mail:h.johnson@stalbans.gov.uk)

Food Poisoning Questionnaire

How can I Make a Complaint about an Item of Food I have Brought?

Response:
We can only investigate a food complaint if you have the food and its' packaging.
You will need to bring it to the Civic Centre offices as soon as possible and provide
details to an Environmental Health Officer. We investigate complaints relating to
foreign bodies, mouldy food for example.

How can I Make a Complaint about an Item of Food which is Passed its Use-By
Date?

Response:
This is dealt with by Hertfordshire Trading Standards
Telephone: 01727 - 813880
Fax: 01727 - 813877
e-mail: hcctradstad@hertscc.gov.uk

Does the Council Provide Hygiene Training for People Working in the Food
Business?

Response:
Click on Food Hygiene Training.

We stock many leaflets and booklets on a wide range of food safety topics. They are
available free of charge to businesses and members of the public.

Some of the Booklets are listed below:

1. Food Hygiene - A Guide for Businesses
2. Hygiene Sense - Hygiene Awareness
3. Germs Love to Travel - Cross-Contamination

These leaflets can be obtained free of charge from the Council by filling in the online Leaflet Order Form.

Sampling is carried out to ensure that food in the district can be consumed without risk to health and safety. Sampling activities can be part of national and locally co-ordinated programmes. It can also be carried out in relation to food poisoning outbreaks and food complaints where formal action is considered.

Sampling Programme 2006/07