Conducting business within the food industry creates numerous challenges and involves wide-ranging and complex regulations that must be adhered to.

Whether you operate a single premise take away, a chain of restaurants or facilitate the manufacturing of food and drink, our team of food safety lawyers are able to provide clear, realistic and pragmatic advice.

We are regularly instructed to deal with all aspects of the Food Safety and General Food Hygiene Regulations. We are able to deal with Local Authority investigations, attend interviews under caution, respond to Improvement Notices, deal with Emergency Control Orders and defend prosecutions for suspected breaches.

In particular we are equipped to handle the following aspects of the food safety regulations:

If you have been contacted by a Government Agency it is essential that you seek legal advice at an early stage. This will enable us to engage with the local authorities in an attempt to avoid litigation and minimise any potential damage to your business.

We understand the impact such an investigation can have upon the reputation of a business in the food industry, so we will always work proactively to remedy any concerns raised without the need for prosecution.

In the event you are convicted of or plead guilty to a breach of the Food Act or the supporting regulations you may receive:

• A substantial fine (for each breach). There is no limit upon the sentencing Court as to the amount of the fine. However, it should be “just and proportionate”.
• A prison sentence of up to two years.
• A ban from owning, managing or operating a business in the food and drink industry.

Please contact our team for a consultation.