What powers do an environmental health officer have?
With regards to food hygiene and safety, an EHO has the power to do all of the following: Enter into any premises – It is against the law to refuse entry of an EHO into your premises. Control of premises – An EHO has the power to enforce legal notices if businesses are in breach of the Food Safety Act 1990.
Can you refuse entry to environmental health?
EHOs can enter and inspect your food premises at any reasonable time and on any day of the week. They do not need to make an appointment with you, and they have the authority to turn up unannounced. You also cannot deny them entry as EHOs are legally obliged to inspect your premises.
What can an environmental health officer not do?
The EHO is able to enter premises outside his district to follow a chain of production and distribution, but only in connection with an investigation regarding food processed or sold in his own district, and he is not able to take any enforcement action such as seizing food.
Where do environmental health officers work?
Environmental health professionals are usually employed by local, state or federal health departments to advise on and enforce public health standards. However, many are employed in the private sector, the military and other third sector agencies such as charities and NGOs.
Can an enforcement officer close down food premises?
Authorised officers will offer help and advice on food safety. They can take action if they find that your standards of food hygiene are not good enough. In serious cases, action might include closing the premises or prosecution.
What do Authority enforcement officers do?
Enforcement Officers have the legal right to seize property, change locks and evict tenants when following a Court Order, meaning that they can easily and quickly resolve the situation without you needing to be directly involved.
What does environmental health deal with?
Environmental health services are particularly concerned with aspects of the environment that can present a risk to health, such as poor housing, a safe supply of food and water, the control of pests that can spread infection, poor air quality and nuisance noise.
Can environmental health officers remove food?
An EHO has the right to remove food from your premises without any permission. This process is known as ‘seizure’. If there is too much food to remove immediately, they can separate any unfit items and mark them to be removed at a later date.
What does an environmental health officer do during an inspection?
An EHO is responsible for inspecting food businesses and ensuring they comply with environmental health laws. They analyse the entire business process, including food preparation, cleanliness levels, the competence of staff, and overall standards for food. In short, EHO’s ensure businesses are safe to the public.
How do I become an environmental health officer?
To become an environmental health officer you usually have to study environmental health, environmental science, public health or environmental management at university. These areas of study may be undertaken within a science, health science, social science or natural science degree.