Service FAQ questions
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What is a Food Alert ?
Food Alerts (previously known as Food Hazard Warnings) are issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) when they know or suspect that there are safety problems with a particular type of food.
The alerts are used to inform local authorities and consumers of the safety concerns and in some cases provide details of specific action that must be taken e.g. withdrawal of the affected food from sale.
How does the alert system work ?
When an alert is issued the FSA notify all local authorities, Consultants in Communicable Disease Control, food trade organisations and publish the information so that it is available to consumers and the general public.
The alerts are classified into one of two categories depending on the severity of the safety problem:
- Alerts: for Action (replace category A, B and C food hazard warnings); and
- Alerts: for Information (replace category D food hazard warnings).
Where an Alert: for Action is issued then the action to be taken by the local authority is clearly stated on the alert.
If you run a food business and the alert is likely to affect your business you may be contacted by a member of the food team. This may be by means of a letter, phone call or personal visit to your premises.
Consumers are generally made aware by adverts or articles in the local or national press, by notices displayed in food premises and in some cases by radio and television news coverage.
What Food Alerts have been issued lately?
Up to date information on the latest food alerts is published on the Food Standards Agency website.
Alternatively contact a member of the food team and they will be happy to advise you.
Telephone: 020 8313 4830
Fax: 020 8313 4450
e-mail: food@bromley.gov.uk
Address: Environmental Health & Trading Standards
Civic Centre Stockwell Close, Bromley, BR1 3UH.