Issue - meetings

That the Food Service Plan 2017-18 be endorsed.

The Chief Officer (Planning & Environment) introduced the Food Service Plan 2017-18 which set out the aims and objectives on the delivery of the Food Service for the forthcoming year, with a review of performance for 2016-17.  The Council was obliged to produce the Plan annually and views were sought prior to seeking approval by Cabinet and onward submission to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).  Members were informed about an information session on Food Safety to be scheduled in the Committee’s Forward Work Programme.

The Community & Business Public Protection Manager provided an overview of the Food Safety team and highlighted key achievements on performance in 2016/17 as well as targets for 2017/18.

In response to questions from Councillor Paul Shotton, the Manager clarified the process for dealing with premises which had failed inspections.  On concerns about unlicensed cockling, she advised that the team had well-established links with North Wales Police and the FSA’s Crime & Fraud team.

Councillor Sean Bibby welcomed the approach taken to encourage improvements in food hygiene ratings.  When asked about performance measurement on food safety, it was noted that Flintshire was in the top performing quartile in Wales.

Councillor Owen Thomas asked about standards for mobile food outlets and was informed about the different risk rating which applied to establishments which were deemed a higher risk by the FSA.  In respect of premises achieving a food hygiene rating of 3, it was acknowledged that those establishments had met some of the elements involved in the rigorous assessment.

Following a query by Councillor Haydn Bateman, the Manager provided clarification on work on food supplements.  More details could be shared at the information session on Food Safety.

Councillor Chris Bithell commended the findings of the report which reflected the important work of the team in promoting safety and hygiene standards.  He said that work would continue to build on those achievements in 2017/18.  He went on to welcome the Welsh Government’s decision for the display of food hygiene ratings to be a mandatory requirement.

On collaborative working with other councils, Councillor David Evans suggested the possibility of Flintshire taking a lead role on services to generate income.  The Manager said that this could be a topic for future consideration but would require investment to develop the service and increase capacity.  She went on to give examples of regional work currently ongoing.

RESOLVED:

That the Food Service Plan 2017-18 be endorsed.