EHO

• What is the main role of Environmental Health Officers (EHOs)?

  To protect public health and minimize health and safety hazards
• What are the specialist areas in which EHOs work?

  Food safety, health and safety at work, housing, and environmental protection
• What is one responsibility of EHOs?

  Collecting evidence, including samples for testing
• What authority do EHOs have regarding food premises?

  They have the right to enter food premises at all reasonable hours without an appointment
• What happens at the end of an inspection by an EHO?

  They complete a report of their findings
• What does the EHO's report state?

  Which regulations have been broken and what actions need to be taken
• How does the EHO respond to customer complaints about food premises?

  They follow up on complaints and check for any broken regulations
• What is the first priority of an EHO when investigating food poisoning?

  To determine if the illness is caused by food and prevent its spread
• What must the EHO do if they believe there has been a breach of legislation?

  Start an investigation
• What does the EHO do during the investigation of food poisoning?

  Find out which organism or chemical caused the illness
• Why is it important for the EHO to collect details of all people suffering from symptoms of suspected food poisoning?

  To trace all related cases and carriers involved in food handling
• What does the EHO recommend after an outbreak of food poisoning?

  How food should be prepared in the future to prevent recurrence
• What do EHOs regularly inspect in food premises?

  Food safety standards
• What does the EHO do at the beginning of an inspection?

  Discuss with the manager or owner to identify hazards and risks
• What does the EHO look for during an inspection?

  Staff training, type and quality of food being handled, and potential hazards
• What happens if the EHO identifies problems during an inspection?

  They advise on what needs to change in the future
• What type of evidence might EHOs provide in court?

  Photographs, films, and food samples
• What does the EHO describe in cases of physical contamination?

  The object involved, such as an insect or piece of metal
• What is the importance of maintaining evidence by the EHO?

  To use it in a prosecution if needed
• What should inspection notes include?

  The date and should be presented in date order
• What does the EHO's report at the end of an inspection state?

  What enforcement action is needed
• What are the responsibilities of Environmental Health Officers (EHOs)?

  • Collect evidence (samples, photographs, interviews)
  • Enforce environmental health laws
  • Follow up on complaints
  • Investigate outbreaks of food poisoning
  • Inspect food premises for safety standards
  • Give evidence in prosecutions
  • Maintain evidence for court
  • Submit reports on inspection findings
• What are the key terms related to EHO responsibilities?

  • Breach of legislation: breaking the law
  • Enforcement action: required actions following inspections