Inspection Backlog Leaves Some Carmarthenshire Food Premises Unchecked Since 2019
Food hygiene inspections have not been conducted at certain locations within a Welsh county since 2019 due to a backlog in inspections, the local council has acknowledged.
Carmarthenshire council reported difficulties in recruiting food safety officers, resulting in overdue hygiene inspections at three high-risk food premises in the county. Additionally, hundreds of lower-risk food businesses are also behind schedule for their inspections.
During a scrutiny committee meeting, Councillor Colin Evans described the situation as
"quite serious"and warned,
"Should something go wrong, it could go wrong very quickly."
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) noted that councils are making progress with inspections despite increased workloads and a nationwide need for more trained inspectors.
Last month, the council was informed that it was unlikely to meet its hygiene check and intervention targets for high-risk food businesses.
Despite offering hourly rates between £60 and £70 to attract qualified staff through agencies, recruitment challenges persist.
Ian Jones, head of leisure and public protection at the council, stated that although the service has considerable professionalism and expertise, it is
"highly unlikely"that the end-of-year inspection targets will be achieved.
Committee members were informed that other local authorities face similar challenges, and the matter has been referred to the cabinet for further consideration.
No Checks for Up to Seven Years
Food premises are categorized by risk levels from A to E, with categories A, B, and C classified as high risk due to the nature of food handling involved.
The council reported that three category A premises—the highest risk—have overdue hygiene inspections. Two of these are overdue by up to 28 days, while the third has been under
"ongoing presence from inspectors"since its last intervention.
Additionally, there are two category B premises and 228 category C premises with overdue inspections. For lower-risk categories D and E, there are 467 overdue hygiene inspections.
Inspection frequency varies according to risk category, ranging from
"at least every six months to at least every 36 months."
However, a council website displaying food hygiene ratings indicates that some premises in the northern part of the county have not undergone inspections for as long as seven years.
The council clarified that inspectors continue to perform other duties such as food standards and hygiene visits.
The average backlog for inspections stands at 16 months for category C premises, 35 months for category D, and 38 months for category E.
Of the 467 category D and E premises with overdue inspections, 405 are eligible to complete a self-assessment questionnaire.
The council emphasized its statutory obligation to enforce food law
"as effectively as possible, using means that are most appropriate to the circumstances."
UK Hospitality, a trade body representing the sector, acknowledged the pressures faced in recent years but stressed that
"the safety of our customers remains non-negotiable and food hygiene is a major focus for businesses – alongside work on allergens and food crime."
Sarah Aza, head of delivery at the FSA, stated last month that the agency is collaborating with governments and other stakeholders to expand the inspection workforce.
She added that councils are making good progress on food safety and standards inspections, although an increase in new businesses is contributing to the workload.
She advised,
"If a local authority is concerned about meeting its legal inspection duties, we ask them to get in touch with us early."
