Aim

To provide clear guidance to Enforcement Officers of the necessary steps to be taken for public safety purposes in the event of an outbreak of food related infectious disease.

Review

This document will be reviewed in the event of any relevant significant changes as necessary and also on an annual basis from the date of implementation.

Corrective Actions

If the procedure is not being adhered to then corrective action will be taken which may include revision of this document or staff training, as appropriate.

Procedure

In the event of an outbreak of food related infectious disease the procedures which will be adopted will be as detailed in the Plan for the Investigation and Control of Foodborne Disease Outbreaks in Lanarkshire in outbreaks relating to the NHS Lanarkshire area.

So far as outbreaks within North Lanarkshire which come within the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, then the corresponding Outbreak Control Plan for that Health Authority would be followed.

Both Outbreak Control Plans have been developed and agreed by relevant Local Authorities and NHS areas.

In the event of an Outbreak the Lead Officer within North Lanarkshire will be the Business Regulation Manager, in his absence the Head of Protective Services. If both of these managers are unavailable then either the Food Hygiene Regulation Manger or the Food Standards Regulation Manager will take responsibility for ensuring that the necessary investigative and enforcement duties are undertaken as soon as possible and liaison is maintained with the relevant NHS area along with representation on any Outbreak Control Team which may be formed.

Date of Introduction          1st April 2007

Date of Review                    7th August 2008.