What further action can the inspectors take?
When they think it is necessary, inspectors can take ‘enforcement action’, to protect the public. For example, they can: • take samples and photographs of food, and inspect your records • write to you informally, asking you to put right any problems • serve you with an ‘improvement notice’ if you are breaking the law, which sets out certain things that you must comply • detain or seize suspect foods • serve an ’emergency prohibition notice’, which forbids the use of premises or equipment (this notice must be confirmed by a court) • recommend a prosecution, in serious cases If a prosecution is successful, the court may prohibit you from using certain processes, premises or equipment, or you could be banned from managing a food business. It could also lead to a fine or imprisonment.
