We believe that effective routine food sampling is an essential part of a well-balanced enforcement service and undertakes to provide the resources necessary to carry out a food sampling programme.  Whilst food safety legislation provides a framework for food sampling which is carried out specifically with a view to pursuing legal action, it is important to appreciate that samples are taken for the purposes of surveillance, monitoring and providing advice to food business operators.

We will deliver an organised and comprehensive microbiological sampling programme details of which are made available to local businesses and consumers here on the website. 

Sampling will be carried out in accordance with this policy and programme and will follow a set, documented procedure. This procedure is based on the Kent Food Sampling Protocol for microbiological sampling and includes guidance from the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) and relevant government Food Standards Agency Code of Practice and Practice Guidance.

We will participate in European Community Co-ordinated Food Control Programmes and programmes organised nationally through the Agency, LACORS and the Public Health Laboratory - Health Protection Agency (HPA). The Food Authority will also take part in sampling programmes organised by Kent Food Technical Group, as agreed by Kent Environmental Health Managers.

Locally, we will target sampling at approved and high-risk businesses and processes, particularly those for which we act as home or originating authority and which distribute foods outside the Borough.  The sampling programme will include imported foods entering the Borough.

We will continue to support the 'shopping basket' approach to food examination, therefore food sampling and environmental swabbing of food premises will be an integral part of food hygiene inspections to help assess hygiene standards and processes. Food sampling will also be used as an important tool when appropriate in the investigation of food complaints and food poisoning incidents.

Central government funding for microbiological food and water samples is allocated by the HPA directly to the Council. This allocation does not cover the cost of sample collection, purchase or any chemical analysis.

Officers carrying out food sampling will ensure that they co-ordinate activities with colleagues in other Food Authorities and related professions such as Trading Standards. The purpose being to prevent duplication of work and share relevant results and findings.

All results and explanations regarding sampling will be given to food businesses or manufacturers as soon as possible. Unsatisfactory results will be followed up as necessary with advice or formal action as appropriate. If food is manufactured outside the Borough, the producer and relevant local authority will be contacted where necessary (see Home Authority Principle for further details). Where national food safety is at risk the Food Standards Agency will be consulted and food alerts issued.

Download the 2008-09 Sampling Programme 10.7Kb PDF

If you wish to know more information please contact the Food Team on 01233 330230 or email envhealth@ashford.gov.uk.