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.
