Food Standard’s Scotland have published Official Controls Verification (OCV) Guidance which has been developed in partnership with Environmental Health Officers. The guidance provides a methodology to be applied when undertaking official control activities within establishments subject to approval under Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 in Scotland. 

Its objective is to provide a framework which, when uniformly applied across all Competent Authorities in Scotland, will ensure a methodical and consistent approach that meets the requirements of the legislation, secures a high level of public health protection and protects the reputation of Scottish food businesses.

The guidance was been developed by Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee (SFELC) Approved Establishment Working Group which was made up of representatives from FSS and Environmental Health Officers from Local Authorities.

SFELC, the FSS and the SOCOEHS extend their gratitude to the Working Group for the commitment, time, expertise and support its members have demonstrated in the development of this document. The three organised also recognise the specialist expertise provided by Andy MacLeod of Argyll and Bute Council, who provided the genesis of the principles and approach enshrined in the guidance and Lorna McCoull of Glasgow City Council, who was instrumental in the documents progress.