ADVICE - Catering from home, Council Inspection

[Overseasmom100]

So a friend is doing a homebased food delivery service. She registered with her local council and has her hygience certificates. A competitor has been stirring the pot ane now the council have requested they visit to inspect. Although she knows they will inspect it seems a little strange council have made contact so quick.

Anyone pass on any tips as to what they will be looking for with regards to their visit.

It's pretty basic. Obvious cleanliness, contamination control and a few things she may not have thought of but will be on their website.

I have had 2 inspections, the first with a chicken on the rampage and the second with a dog that just wouldn't stop trying to get in the kitchen. No problem either time!

Best advice is to gather up whatever paperwork is appropriate and to just relax and go with it. If she is set up right she has nothing to worry about. If she has missed something they will discuss it and revisit to check.

She has just moved house so packing boxes everywhere but her kitchen area is uncluttered. She has separate cooking utensils for her catering and labels everything

Although she knows they will inspect it seems a little strange council have made contact so quick

I don't think she should be worried about the speed - if she's providing food to the public and someone has raised a concern (and the council obviously don't know whether it's unfounded or not until they actually check), they have a legal obligation to check it out and it's safer for everyone that they do it quickly.

I looked into it a while ago, didn't take it any further. But did meet with the council chap. I was told no pets in/around the kitchen. And a hand basin dedicated to hand washing.

Think it's the tips like basin for hand washing that are helpful.to pass on...anything else?

If she needs help to pass the inspection, is that not a bit worrying? She should know all of this.

When I had my inspections, they were more interested in systems - eg fridge temperature control records, ingredients kept in separate containers plus allergy awareness. It was a fairly painless procedure. He could see the kitchen was clean and tidy, he didn't go inspecting inside cupboards or running his finger over ledges etc. I only make occasional cakes and I got a 5* rating.

They are not there to catch people out, they are just interested in safety so if they have any concerns, they will just let her know and they can be addressed. I've always found them very helpful.

Though I was obviously anxious when they came!

Not worried but still always abit nervous about any inspection of this sort as affects livihood etc. And people mis interpt could be a piece of paperwork that's missing but people mis-interpt and cause unnecessary upset