The report is part of a rolling programme by the Agency which scrutinises the food law enforcement activities of all Scotland's 32 local authorities with the aim of raising national standards and improving consumer protection.
Today's report revealed that Aberdeenshire Council shows a commitment to continuous improvement. In addition:
Some areas for improvement were identified, such as:
A follow-up Action Plan covering key areas for improvement has been agreed with the Council. Jim Thomson, Assistant Director of the Food Standards Agency Scotland said:
'Aberdeenshire Council has done well in their Local Authority food law enforcement audit and consumers in these areas can be reassured that they are receiving adequate protection. Although there are areas for improvement today's report will allow them to focus on these weaknesses and further raise their standards.'
A team of auditors closely scrutinised the work of Aberdeenshire Council Food Safety Protective Services and assessed the Council's conformance with specified standards. All 32 councils in Scotland are being audited as part of a three-year rolling programme which aims to improve consistency and tackle any problems which hinder effective enforcement. A copy of the full audit report for Aberdeenshire Council is available at www.food.gov.uk/Scotland