Food Standards Scotland has been made aware of reports concerning misleading and potentially intimidating approaches by consultants to food business operators. Recent incidents highlight instances where businesses have been pressured into paying for services under misleading pretences.
For example, Falkirk Council has reported that an owner of a local food business reported that a ‘very pushy’ representative had made contact wanting £200 per month from the business and followed up with three phone calls.
To ensure clarity and protect businesses, we want to reaffirm the following key points:
- Local authority Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) and Food Safety Officers do not issue fines during food inspections. Instead, they provide advice and clear timescales for any required improvements.
- Advice from local authority food safety teams is often available free of charge. Businesses seeking guidance may wish to contact their local authority before engaging with external consultants.
- Local authorities do not routinely work directly with private consultants. If an individual claims to be affiliated with a council or regulatory body, businesses should verify their credentials.
- All official Environmental Health and Food Safety Officers carry local authority identification and communicate via official email addresses.
- Any instances of aggressive or misleading behaviour should be reported to the relevant local authority and, if necessary, to Police Scotland.
