We monitor and promote best practice by the local authorities when enforcing food legislation in Scotland. This is to make sure that the delivery of official controls meets Scottish and UK laws and official guidance.
Local authority guidance
Local authorities can find support to make sure feed and food law is applied throughout the food chain, locally and nationally
Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee
The Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison committee (SFELC) co-ordinates food law enforcement, sampling and surveillance activities of all Scottish local authorities. It also provides advice for food safety enforcement staff.
Food and feed incidents
Access our guidance on the management of outbreaks of foodborne illness in Scotland.
Food crime
Food crime is a risk to public health and to the global reputation and economy of the Scottish food and drink industry.
Local authority approvals
In the UK, food businesses that handle or produce animal-based products must be officially approved under Retained Regulation 853/2004. These approved businesses are listed by sector, such as meat, dairy, or seafood.
In Scotland, local authorities are responsible for approving businesses that deal with collagen, dairy products, live bivalve molluscs (like mussels and oysters) and fishery products.
Scottish National Database
The Scottish National Database (SND) collects food enforcement activity from all the local authorities in Scotland.
Guidance and training
Our guidance and training provides local authority enforcement officers with the information needed to make sure that feed and food law is maintained and monitored in their area.
Business guidance
Food and Feed Law Codes of Practice
The Food and Feed Law Codes of Practice give local authorities clear instructions and rules to follow when checking that food and animal feed laws are being followed. This helps make sure that inspections and enforcement are done fairly, consistently, and in a way that protects public health.
Food and feed law guidanceBusiness guidance
CookSafe
CookSafe helps catering businesses understand and implement systems based on Hazard and Critical Control Point (HACCP).
Access CookSafe