An environmental health officer is responsible for carrying out inspections to businesses. They assess compliance with environmental health legislation and offer support to business to make sure the operate in a safe and legal way.
An EHO officer has the following powers:
To enter the premises at any time
To carry out an inspection and be assisted in that inspection
To seize and retain any items dangerous to health
To prescribe any actions that the business must undertake to bring the business up to standard
To immediately close the business where there is a severe danger to public health.
Following an EHO inspection in Scotland, they will grant the business a Pass or Fail status. Elsewhere the in the UK they grant a 1-5 star rating.
During and EHO visit the following areas of the business will be inspected:
Safe food practices (food production, storage and service)
Premises and environment (general building condition, maintenance and cleanliness)
Safety management (safety policies and risk management)
If somebody approaches you and introduces themself as an Environmental Health Officer:
Don't Panic
Ask to see their ID
Direct them to a seat while you get the manager on duty.