FOOD STANDARDS AND FEEDINGSTUFFS SERVICE DELIVERY PLAN 2006/2007

1. Service Aim

s and Objectives

1.1

The Trading Standards Service aims and objectives are contained in Appendix A. Of particular relevance to our Food

Standards and Feedingstuffs duties are objectives 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 4.1.

1.1.1 To achieve these aims Officers ensure:

(a)

that food is properly described and labelled;

(b)

that food is not supplied past its ‘use by’ date;

(c)

that food is compositionally satisfactory;

(d)

that food is not adulterated;

(e)

that chemicals and additives are not used improperly in food;

(f)

that food claims are not misleading;

(g)

that feedingstuffs are properly described and labelled;

(h)

that feedingstuffs are compositionally satisfactory;

(i)

that feedingstuffs are not adulterated;

(j)

that chemicals and additives are not used improperly in feedingstuffs.

1.2

Links to corporate objectives and plans

1.2.1 The links with Corporate aims are contained Appendix B.

1.2.2 This Plan will be the subject of a perform

ance review in M

arch 2007 with a report submitted to the relevant member forum.

1.2.3 This Plan will be submitted for approval every year to be effective from the 1

st A

pril every year.

2

Background

2.1

Profile of the local authority - See Appendix C

2.1.1 There are 5 businesses which are deemed to be either a food manufacturer, OP Chocolates Ltd, Rhymney Brewery and

Flavours of India, a food processor, St Merryn M

eats Ltd , or importer, Hypervalue Ltd. A small number of butchers

manufacture a limited number of meat products.

2.1.2 There are no large feedingstuffs manufacturers in the area although there is a local wholesaler who m

anufactures at the

premises but these are m

ainly pet foods.

2.1.3 There are 89 livestock premisesd in the area (1 high risk, 45 m

edium risk and 43 low risk based on DEFRA risk assessment

scheme).

2.1.4 There is a large abbatoir/meat processing plant within the authority.

2.2

Organisational Structure

2.2.1 Charts indicating the organisational structure for Council and Food Service are contained in Appendix D (1), (2) and (3).

2.2.2 The Head of Service for Public Health is responsible for food hygiene m

atters. The Head of Trading Standards Service is

responsible for food standards and feedingstuffs.

2.2.3 Officers with specialist responsibility for food standards enforcement include Craig Rushton Trading Standards Officer who is

the nominated food safety liaison officer and Alun Howells Fair Trading Officer.

2.2.4 Alun Howell also has specialist responsibility for feedingstuffs.

2.2.5 The Public Analyst and Agricultural Analyst role is fulfilled by M

artin W

illiams, City and County of Cardiff Scientific Services,

Croft Street, Cardiff.

2.3

Scope of the Food Standards Service

2.3.1 The Trading Standards Service acts as the Food Authority by virtue of Section 5(1) of the Food Safety Act 1990 with regards

to Food Standards.

2.3.2 The Trading Standards Service will:-

i) carry out food standards inspections; provide advice, inform

ation and assistance;

ii) investigate complaints about the composition, labelling, contamination of, adulteration of, and misleading claims about

food sold;

iii) procure samples of food and;

iv) react to food alerts in consultation with our Environmental Health colleagues

v)

take appropriate action when it is found that food standards are not being m

et.

2.3.3 The Service enforces the relevant provisions of the Agriculture Act 1970, by: -

a) Carrying out agriculture standards inspections at premises in M

erthyr Tydfil.

b) Providing advice, inform

ation and assistance to traders in M

erthyr Tydfil.

c)

Investigating complaints about the composition, labelling, adulteration, chemical contamination of, and misleading

claims about feedingstuffs sold in Merthyr Tydfil.

d) Procuring samples of feedingstuffs sold in M

erthyr Tydfil.

e) Taking appropriate action when it is found that agriculture standards are not being met.

2.3.4 It provides this service alongside the list of core activities in Appendix E.

2.4 Demands on the Food Service

2.4.1 A balanced approach is adopted to delivering the service as outlined in Appendix F. Risk categorisation is determ

ined by

following the Local Authority Co-ordinating Body on Regulatory Services (LACORS) guidance introduced in April 2004.

2.4.2 There are no premises with any specialist or complex processes within the authority.

2.4.3 One premise has been identified which requires registration under the Feedingstuffs (Establishment and Interm

ediaries)

Regulations1999.

2.4.3 The service is delivered from the Civic Centre, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil. It is delivered 8.30am – 5.00pm Monday to

Thursday, 8.30 am – 4.30pm Friday, 1 – 2pm closed. Evening/weekend working is carried out when required.

2.4.4 There are no local factors that influence service delivery.

2.5 Enforcement Policy

2.5.1 The Services enforcement policy has been approved by Cabinet and has been placed on the authoritys website in English

and W

elsh.

3.

Service Delivery

3.1

Food and Feedingstuffs premises inspections

3.1.1 It is the policy of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Trading Standards Service to achieve and m

aintain a high standard

of quality in the enforcement of the Food Safety Act 1990 and the enforcement of Agricultural Standards in relation to

Feedingstuffs under the Agriculture Act 1970.

3.1.2 Inspections are carried on a risk assessed basis following the LACORS guidance.

High risk premise

-

every 12 m

onths

Medium risk premise

- every 24 m

onths

Low risk premise

-

every 60 m

onths

3.1.3 As of 01/04/2006 based on the LACORS risk assessment there are :-

8 high risk food premises/ 0 high risk feedingstuffs

136 m

edium risk food premises/ 6 medium risk feedingstuffs

302 low risk food premises/ no low risk feedingstuffs

3.1.4 It is estimated that 5% of these premises will require re-visiting.

3.1.5 11% of the Service’s time is spent on food and agricultural standards related matters. The amount of time spent is shared

between a Trading Standards Officer and a Fair Trading Officer. These Officers also perform

other duties. Service provision

may be affected by these other duties.

3.1.6 A record of the relevant training of these Officers is held by the authority. Each officer maintains an individual training record.

3.1.7 Officers qualifications are listed in paragraph 4.2

3.1.8 Targeted inspection activity is carried out by m

eans of risk assessment and a survey programme.

3.1.9 The Service participates in the W

elsh Heads Trading Standards Group surveys on a national level and the Glamorgan Group

surveys on a regional level every year. Some surveys undertaken have been funded by the Food Standards Agency.

3.1.10 Throughout this year special attention will be given to the problem associated with Allergen labelling, sampling from Home

Authority companies, proposed Glamorgan Group and W

ales Heads of Trading Standards surveys where they m

eet the

needs of Merthyr Tydfil residents and the budget is available to participate.

3.2

Food and Feedingstuff Complaints

3.2.1 Food and Feedingstuffs Complaints Policy

3.2.2 The Service shall accept all complaints concerning any food or feeding stuff made to the Service, irrespective of whether the

complaints are to be investigated by the Trading Standards Service, Environmental Health or by the Royal Pharm

aceutical

Society of Great Britain.

3.2.3 Procedures for dealing with food and feedingstuff complaints are contained in a Quality M

anual.

3.2.4 Last year we received 5 complaints about food.

3.3

Home Authority Policy.

3.3.1 It is the policy of the Service to assist Home Authority businesses to comply with food and feedingstuff legislation and to

respond to other trading standard authorities about the companies in our area.

3.3.2 W

e operate inform

al Home Authority principle with the following relevant companies:-

Flavours of India (Food)

O P Chocolates (Food)

Hypervalue (Food)

Rhymney Brewery (Food)

Clarks Feeds (Feedingstuffs)

3.3.3 In 2005-2006 the Service dealt with 2 enquiries from other authorities and 7 enquiries from Home Authority companies in

relation to the Home Authority principle.

3.4

Advice to Business

3.4.1 Advice to Merthyr businesses is given via the Home Authority relationship, routine inspection visits/surveys and the

dissemination of inform

ation of new legislation to the relevant trade sectors. The Service inform

s businesses of food safety

hazard warnings as indicated in the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warning. A hyperlink from the Councils website to the FSA

website giving details of previous warings will be maintained.

3.4.2 The Service is not involved in any Business Partnerships or Food Forums.

3.4.3 In 2005 -2006 the Service dealt with 9 contacts from businesses in relation to food.

3.5

Food and Feedingstuffs Inspections and Sampling Policy

3.5.1 It is the policy of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council Trading Standards Service to strive to ensure that all food and drink

intended for human consumption as well as animal feeding stuff which is produced, manufactured, stored, distributed,

handled, retailed or consumed within the County is :

•

of acceptable nature, substance and quality;

•

is not potentially injurious to the consumer’s health or safety;

•

is not falsely described or labelled so as to m

islead the consumer;

•

acts as an educative tool to help inform

businesses and the public regarding food safety.

3.5.2 Inspections shall be carried out in accordance with pre-planned programmes, drawn up quarterly commencing on 1 April each

year. The inspection programmes shall be devised so that each trader assessed as high risk is inspected at least once per

year; each trader assessed as m

edium risk is inspected at least once every two years and that each trader assessed as low

risk is inspected at least once every five years or by m

eans of alternative enforcement action.

3.5.3 The Head of Trading Standards shall be responsible for drawing up and implementation of a sampling programme for the

following year within the constraints of the budget allocated. To achieve economies of scale the Glamorgan Group sampling

programme will be given priority.

3.5.4 The Trading Standards Officer shall be responsible for the implementation of the inspection programme. W

hen assigning

inspections to officers, the Trading Standards Officer shall take into account the complexity of the inspections and the

expertise of the officers assigned to carry out the inspections.

3.5.5 Sampling exercises are determ

ined on a quarterly basis.

3.5.6 Wherever practicable, Food Standards Inspections shall be combined with inspections under other legislation, e.g. Weights

and M

easures. W

here appropriate, Food Standards Inspections shall be combined with Food Hygiene Inspections (in

conjunction with officers of Environmental Health Service) and other visits carried out in relation to Food Standards

Inspections, e.g. complaints and traders requests for advice.

3.5.7 Officers carrying out Food Standards Inspections shall have regard to the Code of Practice and accompanying guidance.

3.5.8 Procedures covering inspections are contained in a Quality M

anual.

3.5.9 Food Sampling

3.5.10 Sampling shall be carried out, only by officers, authorised under the Food Safety Act 1990.

3.5.11 Where legal proceedings m

ay result the food shall be sampled form

ally.

3.5.12 Form

al samples shall be procured and dealt with, in accordance with the Food Safety (Sampling and Qualifications)

Regulations 1990, and the Food Safety Act 1990 Code of Practice.

3.5.13 The Service shall provide suitable containers, seals and labels for use by sampling officers. The Trading Standards Officer

shall be responsible for ensuring that sufficient stocks of containers, seals and labels are available for use by officers.

3.5.14 The Service shall provide a kit of equipment (utensils, chopping board, jugs, etc) for use by Sampling Officer. Officers using

the kit shall be responsible for ensuring that the kit is complete and is cleaned or sterilised as necessary after use.

3.5.15 Number of samples 1/4/2005 – 31/3/2006 – 86

3.5.15 Feedingstuffs Sampling

3.5.16 Sampling shall be carried out, only by officers, authorised under the Agriculture Act 1970. Priority should be given to taking

samples of feedingstuffs with a local relevance, e.g. produced in M

erthyr Tydfil or which have particular relevance to the

people or economy of Merthyr Tydfil. All reference to Regulations in this Section refer to the Feedingstuffs (Sampling and

Analysis) Regulations 1999.

3.5.17 Sampling procedures are contained in the Services Quality M

anual.

3.5.18 All samples shall be submitted to the Public Analysts, City and County of Cardiff Scientific Services, Croft Street, Cardiff,

unless the Head of Trading Standards directs otherwise.

3.5.19 Number of samples 1/4/2005 – 31/03/2006 - 1

3.6

Control and Investigation of Outbreaks and Food Related Infectious Diseases

3.6.1 This is the responsibility of the Head of Environmental Health.

3.7

Food Hazard W

arnings.

3.7.1 Liaison takes place with Environmental Health colleagues as detailed in the Quality M

anual.

3.8

Liaison with other Organisations

3.8.1 The Food and Feedingstuffs Service was audited by the FSA in November 2004.

3.8.2 The Authority is involved every year in planning a co-ordinated sampling programme with the Public Analyst with 6 other

neighbouring W

elsh Authorities (Glamorgan Group).

3.8.3 Food and Feedingstuffs Safety and Standards Promotion

3.8.4 The Authority has insufficient resources to carry out a consumer education programme but it will participate and carry out

talks to relevant groups when requested (if resources perm

it).

3.8.5 The Service will publicise the food service on its section of the website.

4

Resources

4.1

Financial allocation.

4.1.1 A breakdown of the resources allocated to food matters is included in Appendix G.

4.1.2 Legal services are provided in-house for any necessary legal proceedings.

4.2 Staffing allocation

Steve Peters (0.2fte), Head of Trading Standards, DTS and DBA

Craig Rushton (0.4fte), Trading Standards Officer, Degree, DTS, Lead Assessor trained.

Alun Howell (0.3fte), Fair Trading Officer, Passed exams in relation to Certificate in Food and and Agricultural Standards.

However certificate not awarded due to fail in Law and Constitution paper.

4.3 Staff Development Plan

4.3.1 A new Personal Perform

ance Development Plan was introduced In March 2006.

4.3.3 Training to be provided this year includes Diploma in Consumer Affairs Certificate in Food and Agriculture.

5

Quality Assessment

5.1.1 The Authority’s Food Standards and Agricultural Standards Service have been subject to inter authority auditing in May 2000.

5.1.2 The audit was arranged by the W

elsh Heads of Trading Standards through the Food and Agriculture Group.

5.1.3 The Trading Standards Service went through a Best Value Review that resulted in an Audit Commission Commntary M

ay

2002.

5.1.4 The Food Standards Agency audit took place in October 2004.

5.1.5 The Service underwent a Peer Review in February 2006.

6.

Review of Service Delivery Plan 2005 - 2006

6.1.1 When the Food Standards Agency carried out an audit of the Food Standards and Feedingstuffs Service in November 2004

(report pubblished 25/11/2005) one of the Recommendations was that:-

‘The Authority’ should conduct a performance review based on its Service Delivery Plan at least annually. The review should

be documented and submitted for appropriate member approval’.

6.1.2 This section of the 2006 – 2007 Service Plan addresses that recommendation.

6.1.3 Previous Years Perform

ance

6.1.4 Surveys

6.1.5 We completed the following planned food surveys:-

6.1.6 Flavoured W

ater Survey.

6.1.7 The Service participated in a Glamorgan Group Survey to check the accuracy of the labelling of flavoured water, particularly

those aimed at children.

6.1.8 Five samples were taken. Four of the samples were satisfactory but one sample failed as a result of a description of ‘sugar’

when in fact it contained Fructose and Dextrose. The findings were passed to the Home Authority Trading Standards Service

where the m

anufacturing company is based for inform

ation and action.

6.1.9 Sudan I Survey.

6.1.10 The Service participated in a G

lamorgan G

roup Survey to ascertain the presence of the illegal Sudan range of dyes. The

survey was targeted at Sweet and Sour sauces as these sauces are predominantly bright red which is the colour associated

with the dye. Satisfactory results have been received.

6.1.11 Vodka Survey

6.1.12 In conjunction with other members of the Glamorgan group. Merthyr Tydfil CBC undertook a sampling exercise to establish if

substitute vodka was being dispensed from Smirnoff bottles in licensed premises.

6.1.13 There is a simple screening test which trading standards officers can use to ascertain if there is genuine Smirnoff being

supplied by pubs using an authenticity indicator strip when carrying out inspections. However, evidence has shown that by

adding a small amount of lemonade to cheap vodka it would by pass this test. Therefore form

al samples of Smirnoff vodka

were taken from public houses, restaurants and hotels to determ

ine if this practice w

as happening w

ithin the borough. 5

form

al samples were taken and all five samples came back as satisfactory.

6.1.14 Until the m

anufacturers alter the m

ethod in which there product can be detected as being authentic it is important that these

exercises are carried out so that the public can be certain when they are purchasing a branded product that they are getting

what they paid for.

6.1.15 Erucic Acid Survey

6.1.16 In conjunction with the Glamorgan Group, Merthyr Tydfil undertook a sampling exercise to analyse the Erucic Acid content of

foods preserved in oils. Erucic Acid is a natural component of some oils but there are legal lim

its set as research has shown

that frequent consumption of high levels of the acid m

ay cause or add to the risk of heart disease. The Food Standards

Agency undertook a similar survey in 2004 and products exceeding legal lim

its (8) were subject to a food hazard warning and

product recall.

6.1.17 5 inform

al samples were taken and sent to the public analyst. They returned as satisfactory.

6.1.18 Nitrates and Nitrites in Baby and Infant Food

6.1.19 The G

lamorgan G

roup undertook a surveillance survey in relation to analyse levels of nitrates and nitrites in foods intended

for babies and infants. Nitrates and nitrites are commonly used as a preservative in food, especially m

eat. The Preservatives

in Foods Regulations control these levels. However, nitrates and nitrites m

ay also be found in food through contamination of

the ground in which crops are grown. The safety levels of such contamination are governed by the C

ontaminants in Food

Regulations. Levels in baby and infant food products are governed by the regulations.

6.1.20 Merthyr Tydfil Trading Standards took 5 inform

al samples of baby/infant food. These were sent to the Public Analyst. All 5

returned satisfactory.

6.1.21 Ochratoxin A in Imported Spices Survey

6.1.22 As part of joint working with the Glamorgan Group, Merthyr Tydfil CBC Trading Standards form

ed part of a bid for money from

the Food Standards Agency in carrying out Market Surveillance to establish if Ochratoxin A was in imported Spices. The FSA

bid provided money for the sampling exercise for officer’s time and analysis of the samples.

6.1.23 Ochratoxin A is a contaminant that can be found in certain foods and if consumed in large quantities it can be carcinogenic in

some individuals.

6.1.24 The group, by liaising with Port Health Authorities could not identify any importers of spices in the region. The next stage was

to identify premises where imported spices were used in the m

anufacturing process and when all possibilities were elim

inated

to purchase imported spice from retailers. A total of 10 samples were taken per authority.

6.1.25 With regards to Merthyr Tydfil samples were procured from a m

anufacturer of curry’s, take away’s and retailers.

6.1.26 There is no set upper lim

it for Ochratoxin A in spices but the Food Standards Agency recommends an upper lim

it of 10

µg/kg. A sample of Paprika failed.

6.1.27 In relation to the rest of the group 5 samples were found to exceed the FSA’s recommended level of 10µg/kg for Ochratoxin

A in spices The excess levels varied between 13.7 and 100 µg/kg.

6.1.28 In relation to the failure in M

erthyr Tydfil the home authority for the company who actually imported the spice were inform

ed

of the analysis. It would be recommend that any future sampling in this area should be concentrated on paprika as this was

the spice which showed high levels of ochratoxin A with two samples from the group.

6.1.29 All planned surveys were therefore undertaken.

6.1.30 Inspections

6.1.31 We undertook the following inspections based on the LACORS risk assessment to food businesses.

Risk Level

Total No of

Businesses due

as of 1/4/2005

No of Planned

Inspections

No of

Businesses

inspected

% of planned

inspections

completed in

period

High

5

5

5

100

Medium

71

63

63

100

Low

62

62

62

100

6.1.32 All planned inspections were therefore undertaken. 31 new food premises opened 27 were subject to a programmed visit or

alternative enforcement action.

6.1.33 Samples

6.1.34 As part of the planned surveys and other work we took the following samples:-

Baby and infant foods

5

Alcohol

33

Mineral Water

5

Fish Products

5

Herbs and Spices

13

Meat Fresh/frozen

2

Meat Products

6

Poultry Products

2

Nuts

1

Restaurant/takeaway m

eals

5

Ready m

eal dishes

2

Oils and fats

1

Preserves

1

Cakes and Confectionery

5

TOTAL

86

6.1.35 Complaints

6.1.36 During the year we received and dealt with the following complaints:-

6.1.37 A Cheese and Onion Pasty that was alleged to contain meat; No best before date on crisps; Mushroom Stroganoff labelled as

suitable for vegetarians containing meat; W

hite rum being passed off as Barcardi; out of date salad.

6.1.38 We received and dealt with the following requests for assistance from businesses.

Food labelling

3

Quantity on Ingredients Declaration

1

Labelling products Halal

1

Allergy labelling

1

Fat free claims

1

Details on the Sudan 1 recall

1

6.2

Identification of any variation from the 2006/2007 Service Plan

6.2.1 There were no m

ajor variations in relation to what is required of us as a Food and Feedingstuff Service. We achieved a high

percentage of what we set out to achieve.

6.2.2 W

e need to ensure that the minimum hours of training per officer of 10hrs is achieved in a year.

6.2.3 An assessment of the profile of Merthyr Tydfil in relation to food and feedingstuff does not require a specialist dedicated

resource to provide the food/feedingstuff function.

6.2.4 However the additional requirements emanating from the amended and new Codes of Practice means we are having to

invest a disproportionate amount of resources to satisfy the requirements of the Food Standards Agency in order to avoid any

criticism when they report on local authority perform

ance.

6.3

Areas for Improvement

6.3.1 These have been addressed in the Action Plan following the FSA audit details of which appear on the Audit Action Plan

template.

6.3.2 In particular:-

•

We have to continue to deliver an adequate food and feedingstuffs service to the satisfaction of the Food Standards Agency.

•

We have to adopt the Food Standards Agency ‘Headline Priorities for Regulation’.

•

We have to continue to address the recommendations flowing from the FSA Audit.

•

We have to incorporate into our working practices an amended code of practice on food.

•

We have to incorporate into our working practices a new Code of Practice on feedingstuffs.

•

We have to incorporate the new Official Food and Feed Control Regulations 2006. These regulations may increase

administrative and inspection costs.

•

Amend our quality m

anual to reflect new Codes of Practice and new legislation.

•

Ensure officers are competent through the provision of training to deliver the food and feedingstuff service.

SERVICE STRATEGIC AIM

S AND OBJECTIVES

Appendix A

1.

TO PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM UNFAIR AND UNSAFE TRADING PRACTICES.

1.1

To undertake a programme of risk assessed inspection of premises to ensure compliance with Trading Standards legislation.

1.2

To undertake a programme of surveys or audits of trade practices or products to ensure compliance with Trading Standards legislation.

1.3

To investigate complaints which may be of a criminal nature.

1.4

To protect children from the supply of age restricted goods e.g. alcohol, cigarettes, fireworks, videos etc.

1.5

To undertake a sampling programme of food/products/services to ensure compliance with legislation.

2.

TO EMPOWER THE CONSUMER TO M

AKE INFORMED CHOICES

2.1

To provide an efficient and effective response to all requests for civil and criminal advice.

2.2

To undertake a programme of education, inform

ation and advice in order to protect the health, safety and economic interests of consumers.

3.

TO HELP BUSINESS TO BE COMPETITIVE AND PROTECT BUSINESS FROM UNSCRUPULOUS TRADERS

3.1

To provide an efficient and effective response to all requests for advice and complaints.

3.2

To assist businesses seeking inform

ation about their legislative duties and promote compliance with trade regulations.

3.3

To protect legitimate businesses from trade fraud.

4.

TO PROMOTE THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF ANIM

ALS, MINIM

ISE AND CONTROL THE SPREAD AND EFFECT OF ANY ANIM

AL HEALTH

DISEASES.

4.1

To undertake a programme of inspections at farm

s, retail premises, vehicles and other agricultural premises to ensure compliance with animal health and

feeding stuffs legislation.

4.2

To deliver the requirements of the Service Level Agreement that secures funding for the local authority.

4.3

To provide an effective response to all complaints and requests for services.

Appendix B

CORPORATE

AIM

COMMUNITY

OBJECTIVE

SERVICE LINK

LINKS TO

NATIONAL

PRIORITIES

SERVICE

ACTIVITY

ECONOMIC

REGENERATION

A thriving economy

Licensing Enforcement

Local Business Support

2, 3

2, 3

Regulation of consumer credit licences etc.

Home Authority Principle

Advice and assistance on legislation.

Maintenance of fair trading and level playing field by

enforcement

Maintenance of

consumer/economic

prosperity

1, 2, 3

Ensuring value for money and ‘spending power’ of

consumers,

especially the major

disadvantaged

groups (poor, elderly, disabled) by enforcement of

trading standards legislation and targeting of resources

Encouraging m

arket

place for legitimate credit

1, 2, 3

Protection of legitimate businesses by targeting rogue,

unlicensed traders and counterfeit,

sub-standard

products.

Prosecuting illegal moneylenders – ‘loansharks’

CORPORATE

AIM

COMMUNITY

OBJECTIVE

SERVICE LINK

LINKS TO

NATIONAL

PRIORITIES

SERVICE

ACTIVITY

LIFELONG LEARNING

Forward through

learning

People power and

community

empowerm

ent

Consumer &

Citizenship

Education

1

School talks on various activities of the service e.g.

Crucial Crew for schools

Consumer

education initiatives such as National

Consumer Week.

Participants in Consumer Support Network

Inform

ation and

Advice for

Consumers

1

Consumer Advice Service

Talks to community groups on their rights and

responsibilities

Production and distribution of consumer inform

ation

leaflets.

Publication of inform

ation on the council website.

Business Advice

2, 3

Distribution of inform

ation packs tailored to the needs of

trade sectors. Publication of inform

ation on the council

website.

HOUSING

Health Check

Safe and Sound

Environmental

Enforcement

Community Safety

and reducing the

fear of crime

3

1, 2, 3

Inspection of storage of poisons, explosives etc.

Enforcement relevant to m

inimisation of packaging and

green claims about products

Inform

ation and advice to vulnerable groups on

doorstep sellers, rogue builders, distraction burglaries

etc

Joint enforcement exercises w

ith the police to reduce

the incidence of

underage sales of

alcohol and

associated disorder.

Environmental

Protection

2,3

Protection of quality of roads and bridges by enforcing

law against overloaded vehicles

Recycling of

forfeited goods by redistribution to

charities, third world etc.

Appendix B

CORPORATE

AIM

COMMUNITY

OBJECTIVE

SERVICE LINK

LINKS TO

NATIONAL

PRIORITIES

SERVICE ACTIVITY

HOUSING

Health Check

Safe and Sound

Safe and Sound

Safe and Sound

Health Check

Food Safety Act

Enforcement

Child Health and

Safety

Transport

Standards

Product Safety

Animal Health

and W

elfare

3

1,2,3

2,3

1,2,3

3

Food standards inspections, Food sampling exercises

Investigation of food complaints,

Initiatives/projects – food, nutrition etc.

Underage sales survey into alcohol, tobacco, solvents, videos

etc.

Promotion of Citizencard Proof of age Scheme to reduce the

number of young people who smoke or have access to

tobacco products.

Participation in safety initiatives e.g. Crucial Crew.

Enforcement of consumer safety legislation applicable to child

products e.g. pushchairs, toys etc.

Regular events offering free checks on safety and suitability of

child car seats.

Enforcement re: sale of unroadworthy vehicles, overloaded

lorries.

Enforcement

in relation to ALL consumer

products by

inspections, sampling, investigation of complaints etc.

Community initiatives (e.g. electric blanket checks).

To protect animals from unnecessary suffering and people

from the danger

of animal diseases by regulation and

inspections.

Appendix C

Merthyr Tydfil is the smallest of the unitary authorities in Wales. It has a population of 55,981 (2001

Census). It is located between Rhondda Cynon Taff and Caerphilly County Boroughs. It stretches 20

kilometres along the A470 from a northerly point located within the Brecon Beacons National Park, to

a southerly point at the intersection of the A472/A4059 road links. The A465 together with the A470

are 2 major road links within Wales. Merthyr Tydfil has a total area is 53 sq miles (11,200 hectares).

The County Borough’s principal conurbation is Merthyr Tydfil town itself. This accounts for two

thirds of the total Borough population. The remaining population is found in a number of small

discrete villages - all associated with coal mines long since closed. Merthyrs' position as a centre for

retail activity within the South Wales Valleys means that the Trading Standards Service receives some

2,500 requests for consumer advice and assistance each year.

The South Wales Valleys have undergone significant change. After the closure of coal mines and the

decline of heavy engineering and manufacturing sectors during the past decade, the Borough is now

beginning to develop a broad manufacturing base. Despite its relatively small geographical size,

Merthyr Tydfil has secured a number of significant investments over the past few years including a

major meat processing plant. Because of the plant Animal Health and Welfare demands on the Trading

Standards Service have increased over the last 12 months.

Merthyr Tydfil’s recent economic history has been one of industrial decline. During the early part of

the 1980’s and early 1990’s, several major manufacturing employers either closed or shed staff whilst

the coal industry, once a major employer in the area disappeared. Number of employees in Merthyr

Tydfil fell from 20,100 in 1984 to 16,700 in 1991 (17% fall). However, there are signs that this

negative trend of industrial decline is now reversing following investment (Census 2001 employed

19,353).

Unemployment in the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough (59% 2001 Census) has consistently been

above the Welsh average. In addition activity rates are low, the number of people in receipt of benefits

high and wage rates are in the main again low. Merthyr has one of the highest unemployment figures

in Wales along with its neighbours Blaenau Gwent, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Caerphilly. Ethnic

minorities make up 1% of the population.

Communication between Merthyr Tydfil Economic Development Unit, key business development and

private sector organisations active in the County Borough of Merthyr Tydfil is considered to be good.

Dissemination of information between the key bodies is done through a number of key partnerships

including the Merthyr Tydfil Technical Team, the Merthyr Tydfil Business Partnership and the

Merthyr Tydfil Marketing Group.

During the mid 1990s, there has been strong evidence that the prospects for the town and County

Borough of Merthyr Tydfil is improving mainly from the work done by the Council, the Welsh

Development Agency, the National Assembly and some of the other key public sector partners in the

area.The effort made by these bodies (in conjunction with other private sector organisations) in road

and general infrastructure has now placed Merthyr Tydfil in a pivotal Valleys position with prospects

for encouraging indigenous growth and attracting quality inward investment projects. Major projects

are already underway that will affect the Service. The area has objective 1 status, assisted area status

and regional selective assistance status.

Appendix D1

Appendix D2

Appendix D3

Food and Feedingstuffs staff structure as 1st April 2006

Director of Customer Corporate Services

Level 2 37hrs

| Head of Trading Standards SBM Level 2 37hrs

(Management of Service, Prosecution Processing,

Production of Annual Service Plan and work programmes)

| Trading Standards Officer PO3 – PO6 37 hours

(Deputy Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures, Programmed Inspections, Home Authority Officer,

Accuracy of Computer Database, Business Advice, Food Safety Act Liaison Officer)

|

Fair Trading Officer SC6 – SO1 37 hours

Responsible for feedingstuffs and carries out food standards inspections.

Also Fair Trading issues.

Appendix E

Enforcement

Responsibility Description

Is this in your

remit? (yes or no?)

Weights and

Measures

Work relating to the accuracy of weighing and measuring

equipment in use for official purposes and ensuring quantity of

goods is within tolerance. Verification services.

Yes

� Does your authority maintain local standards?

(Ref: Section 4 Weights and Measures Act 1985) No

� Does your service hold Approved Body status?

(Relates to the Non Automatic Weighing Instruments Directive and linked UK

Regulations)

No

Fair Trading Includes claims about prices, quality or description of goods

and services. Yes

Product Safety Includes monitoring goods supplied to consumers and checking

that they are safe and correctly labelled. Yes

Food Standards Includes ensuring food is correctly described and labelled

throughout the supply chain, and that applicable compositional

standards are met.

Yes

� Is the above function shared with environmental health? No

Consumer Credit Includes monitoring licensing regime, ensuring transactions,

documentation and adverts comply. Yes

Animal Health and

Welfare Includes movement licences, monitoring welfare during

transport and at markets Yes

Agricultural

Standards Includes ensuring fertilisers and animal feeding stuffs are of

correct composition and labelled. Yes

Age Restricted

Sales Ensuring certain products are not supplied to children, for

example tobacco, videos, butane lighter fuel, fireworks. Yes

Road Traffic Includes supply of unroadworthy vehicles, overloaded goods

vehicles, weight restriction areas. Yes

Explosives Ensuring fireworks and other explosives are safely stored on

registered premises. Yes

Petroleum Ensuring petroleum is safely stored on licensed premises. No

Environmental

Legislation Includes energy labelling, packaging disposal and motor fuel

pollutants. Yes

List the main duties only

Poisons, Explosives, Fireworks

Licensing

Appendix F

Demand Driven

Inspection Driven

Responding to requests for service Analysis and advice of consumer Complaints/requests for advice. Investigation of criminal complaints Informal Home Authority Agreements Service. Review of Product Safety Notifications Immediate response to all requests for Assistance from police and other Enforcement agencies

Programmed inspections based on risk- assessments (higher the risk — more frequent inspections) Trading Standards inspections Food standards inspections Farm inspections Licensing inspections Sampling programme

• Description

• Food

• Product Safety

• Other

Education Driven

Intelligence Driven

Focusing on promoting voluntary compliance and increased knowledge Public awareness campaigns Home authority advice and information Schools, consumer education initiatives Partnerships Consumer advice (see above)

Targeting or concentrating resources on Special Investigations/Projects Rogue traders Trade mal-practices or trade sectors Known or suspected problems Information from other Enforcement Agencies and colleagues

Food Quality Estimate 2006/2007 £

Expenditure

Employee Costs

Salaries 21,236

Staff Training 450

Transport Related Expenditure

Car Allowances 870

Supplies & Services

Equipment Tools & Materials 270

Printing, Stationery & Advertising 380

IT Printing Charges

Postages & Telephones 30

Subscriptions 780

Analysis Fees 9,840

Welsh Translation 100

Support Services

Central Establishment Expenses TBC

ICT Recharges TBC

Switchboard Costs TBC

Direct Office Charges TBC

Business & Admin TBC

Net Expenditure

Appendix G