Food Complaints
Members of the public are encouraged to report poor hygiene
conditions, contaminated food, food sold out of date and food
poisoning. Please use the 'Contact the Council' link at the
top of this page, then select Food Safety from the Department Name
drop down menu.
We investigate all complaints about the microbiological quality
of food and food with foreign bodies sold from premises in the
district to ascertain the cause of any problem and prevent a
recurrence. However, we are unable to negotiate compensation; this
is a civil matter between the purchaser and the vendor.
Complaints about food sold from premises in other districts are
passed onto the relevant Council. Remember the following when
reporting a food complaint:
- Keep any till receipts
- Keep any wrapping, labels, etc.
- Keep food in its original container where possible
- Keep the food and the foreign object. Do not throw the food
away
- Avoid handling foreign objects. If they are embedded in the
food, do not displace them
- If food is perishable, keep it in the refrigerator or
freezer
Complaints about the chemical quality of food and food labelling
are passed onto Essex County Trading Standards Department.
Tel: 0845 603 7626
Email: advice.unit@essexcc.gov.uk