During 2007/2008 Waikato District Council Environmental Health Officers (EHO) undertook approximately 278 routine inspections with a further 20 rechecks, covering 194 food premises which ranged from dairies, takeaways, cafes, restaurants through to manufacturing businesses.
Bi-annual inspections
Most food premises receive two inspections per year (usually unannounced), although more visits may be necessary if the EHO has concerns about the way the business is being operated and an additional fee may be charged. The lower risk type business has one inspection per year for example, premises that only sell pre-packed foods.
Questions
During the inspection the officer will ask you questions about your operation, such as staff training, stock rotation, cleaning methods, temperature control etc. You may be asked to produce items such as invoices showing when the grease trap was last cleaned, or who supplied your meat.
EHO Powers
Environmental Health Officers have a variety of powers such as seizing or detaining any article believed to contravene food law, arrange for the closure of a food premises until it complies with the requirements of the law and in worst cases, prosecution.