What powers do the inspectors have?
They can take samples and photographs and inspect records, you must not obstruct inspectors. They can detain or seize suspect foods. They may write to you informally asking you to put right any problems that they find, carefully listing what were the contraventions of the law and what recommendations of good practice were made. In serious cases they may recommend prosecution and if there is an imminent health risk to consumers, inspectors can serve an emergency prohibition notice which prohibits the use of equipment or premises. This notice would have to be confirmed by the Court. The inspector may serve improvement notices for contraventions found during the inspection and he/she would agree with you a reasonable period in which to carry out the necessary works.
