The information on this page is presented in the format of frequently asked questions. Please click a question from the index below to see the appropriate answer.
I have become ill after eating at a local restaurant - what should I do?
In the first instance consider seeing your doctor, if symptoms do not settle within 24 hours. Visit the NHS Direct website, which has a self-help guide with advice on symptoms and conditions.
If you have visited a shop, restaurant, or any other food premises and wish to complain about the standards of hygiene - here’s how: Our policy is to investigate all such complaints within 5 working days. In practice, your complaint may be investigated within 24 hours.
There may be occasions however, when a complaint can wait until the premises is due for its next routine inspection. All you need to do is ring our Consumer Protection Service on (01753) 875255 or email info@slough.gov.uk with details of your complaint. An Environmental Health officer will then investigate the matter on your behalf.
I want to start a food business in Slough - what do I have to do?
If you run or plan to run a food business within Slough, it must be registered with us 28 days before you start preparing food. Mobile caterers must register with the authority in which you normally park your van overnight. For example, if you operate your mobile food business in London but park your van overnight in Slough, you must register your business with us. Registration is a legal requirement, but it also provides you with the opportunity to arrange a visit with a food officer before starting your business.
We are a very approachable team and we are keen to help you. We can give business advice through a wide range of leaflets. If you have any queries about a food business or would like general advice on food or health and safety issues, please call on (01753) 875255 (Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm). Registration and advice are offered free of charge.
Can the Council close down food businesses which don't comply with hygiene standards?
The council will need to prove in Court that there is a real risk to health because of very poor hygiene management - e.g. very dirty premises or a serious pest infestation. The premises can be closed down. However in the first instance we will work with a premises for them to get the place up to the legal requirement.
How often do have to be inspected by Environmental Health officers?
This depends on the type of food being sold (e.g. fresh fish or packaged dry goods) and therefore could be from every six months to several years between inspections.
Is it illegal for a shop to have out-of-date food on display?
Not necessarily. There are often two dates on time - a best before, and a use by date. If an item is past it's use by date, it is best not eaten.
What can Environmental Health Officers do about a case of food poisoning?
In single cases of food poisoning, officers can offer advice about the possible sources of the illness and ways it can be avoided. However if there are a number of cases of the illness, officers will investigate to determine if there is a common link to water, food or another source and seek to reduce the risk to other members of the public.
What temperature should you store food at?
Good temperature control is essential to prevent food poisoning. The temperature of all high-risk food must be kept colder than 8oC (although 5oC is recommended) or hotter than 63oC. Make sure you have enough fridge, freezer and hot holding space to store food safely on your premises at all times Do not store high-risk foods within the ‘danger zone’, i.e. between 8oC and 63oC. If you cook food and wish to serve it at a later stage, you must either keep it hot, above 63oC (hot hold), or cool it as quickly as possible and put it in the fridge
It is recommended that food be cooled within 1½ hours and then placed in the fridge or freezer As a proprietor, you must ensure that your fridge and freezer is holding food at the correct temperature through regular monitoring. You are advised to check temperature readings of refrigerators twice daily. Writing this reading down will help show that you understand the importance of good temperature control. Please refer to the Sample Temperature log sheet, which may be used for recording temperature readings.
Where can I get trained in handling food?
There are a host of training courses available to help you improve your understanding of hygiene and food safety. There are also courses available to help you to improve your literacy and management skills.
We offer our own one-day training course called "Food Safety – The Answer". It's aimed at helping you to produce a hazard analysis system for your business and is presented in an easy to understand way. The course is available free of charge to any small, independent food business in Slough. The day itself is fun, informal and relaxed.
Can I request an inspection of a food premises?
All you need to do is ring our Consumer Protection Service on (01753) 875255 or email info@slough.gov.uk with details of your complaint. An Environmental Health officer will then investigate the matter on your behalf. The council directs its limited resources according to risk, and therefore complaints will help direct inspectors, but the council reserves the right where and when is most appropriate to do an inspection.
How can I make a complaint about an item of food I have bought?
If you purchase, or see offered for sale, food which is contaminated, mouldy, poor quality or unfit and you wish to complain - here’s how:
Our policy is to investigate all such complaints as quickly as possible. In most cases an investigation will start as soon as the complaint is received. All you need to do is ring our Consumer Protection Service on (01753) 875255, for email info@slough.gov.uk with details of your complaint. An Environmental Health or, Trading Standards Officer will then investigate the matter on your behalf.
How do I get registered to be able to sell food in Slough?
If you run or plan to run a food business within Slough, it must be registered with us 28 days before you start preparing food. Mobile caterers must register with the authority in which you normally park your van overnight. For example, if you operate your mobile food business in London but park your van overnight in Slough, you must register your business with us.
Registration is a legal requirement, but it also provides you with the opportunity to arrange a visit with a food officer before starting your business. We are a very approachable team and we are keen to help you. We can give business advice through a wide range of leaflets. If you have any queries about a food business or would like general advice on food or health and safety issues, please call on (01753) 875255 (Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm).
NOTE: You may also need a Premises licence to sell food, beyond the food safety licence. Check the details on the food business licence section Slough web-site for advice Registration and advice are offered free of charge.
Existing food businesses
It is important that your details are kept up-to-date. Please let us know when there are any changes to your business, for example, if the owner or manager changes. Whether you're registering for the first time or want up update your details please complete our online form.
What should I think of when setting up a premises for serving food?
If you already have a food business, use this useful checklist for the important things that you need to consider when running your business.
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
My Council
Landmark Place
High Street
Slough
opposite Slough Library
This symbol indicates a link will take you outside this website. Links will open in a new browser window.
