Entry to Food Business Premises by Authorised Officer

Food Safety Act 1990, s.32

Warrant: No
Force: No
Notice: No

An authorised officer of a food authority may at all reasonable times enter any premises within the authority's area for the purpose of ascertaining whether there is or has been any contravention of the Food Safety Act 1990. Officers may inspect and seize food that fails to comply with food safety requirements.

Conditions

Officer must be authorised by a food authority (local authority environmental health)
Entry at all reasonable times (any time if they believe a contravention is occurring)
Must produce credentials on request

Limitations

Primarily a local authority environmental health power
Constables may assist when obstruction occurs
Food seized must be dealt with in accordance with the Act

Last updated 24 September 2026