Food Hazard Warnings

Environmental Health Commercial (EHC) responds to food hazard warnings issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Food Hazard Warnings are the FSA's way of letting local authorities know about problems associated with food and, in some cases, provide details of specific action to be taken. FHWs are also copied to Consultants in Communicable Disease Control, Trading Standards Officers and food trade organisations to alert them to current food issues.

Food Hazard Warnings are currently issued under 2 categories:

• Food Alerts: 'For Action'
  
• Food Alerts: 'For Information'

Food Hazard Warnings are often issued in conjunction with a product withdrawal or recall by a manufacturer, retailer or distributor.

In addition to responding to FHWs, EHC may need to draw the FSA's attention to a local problem that may have regional or national consequences.

Depending upon the category of a FHW, the EHC may need to contact a large number of premises in order that essential information is given to those who need it. Press releases and messages broadcast via local radio and television may also form part of disseminating information.

Current Food Hazard Warnings can be found on the Food Standards Agency website below.

For further information please contact us on 01432 261761 or
Email: ethelpline@herefordshire.gov.uk



Last Updated: 03 January 05,
Review Date: 20 September 2005