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Members of the public are encouraged to report poor hygiene conditions, contaminated food, food sold out of date and food poisoning.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