Food Safety Officer (Environmental Health Officer)

Location: London (Hybrid / Flexible)

Rate: £50 Per hour

Contract: 6-Month Contract

Hours: 37 hours per week

About the Role

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Food Safety Officer to join a London Local Authority’s Environmental Health team on an initial 6-month rolling contract at £50 per hour.

In this role, you will be responsible for undertaking food hygiene and safety inspections, investigating food complaints and foodborne disease outbreaks, and taking appropriate enforcement action across a varied range of commercial food premises within the borough.

Key Responsibilities

• Premises Inspections: Conduct risk-based food hygiene and safety inspections, audits, and re-visits in line with the Food Law Code of Practice.
• FHRS Ratings: Assess food businesses under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) and issue appropriate ratings and advice.
• Complaints & Outbreak Control: Investigate complaints regarding food standards, unfit food, hygiene conditions, and suspected cases of food poisoning or infectious disease.
• Enforcement Action: Draft schedules of work, issue statutory notices (e.g., Hygiene Improvement Notices, Emergency Prohibition Notices), and prepare prosecution files or Civil Penalty Notices where appropriate.
• Sampling & Analysis: Take formal and informal food and environmental samples for microbiological examination and analysis.
• Legal Proceedings: Prepare case files, collect evidence, and attend Magistrates’ Court or First-tier Tribunal to give evidence when required.
• Advisory Support: Provide technical guidance and advice to food business operators (FBOs) to ensure compliance with relevant food safety legislation.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: A degree or postgraduate diploma in Environmental Health (or equivalent recognised qualification) is highly desirable.
• Competency: Demonstrated competency under the Food Law Code of Practice (CIEH registered, Higher Certificate in Food Premises Inspection, or equivalent EHRB registration).
• Experience: Strong background conducting risk-based food inspections within a UK Local Authority setting.
• Enforcement Skills: Proven track record of serving statutory notices, seizing food, and preparing legal prosecution cases.
• Knowledge: In-depth understanding of Food Safety Act 1990, Retained EU Food Hygiene Regulations, and the Food Law Code of Practice.
• Travel: Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes (or ability to travel efficiently across the borough).

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