FSA launches its Olympic Games ‘food safety squad’

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has recruited an elite ‘food safety squad’ – 10 top food safety inspectors from around the country – who will be based in Olympic venue cities and lead extra inspections and training ahead of the Games.

The move is part of the FSA's Play It Safe campaign to ensure all food sold, cooked and eaten during the London Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012 is safe and raise awareness of food safety among businesses and visitors.

Representing hundreds of environmental health officers across the UK who will also be carrying out additional hygiene and safety inspections on food businesses in preparation for the Games, the 'food safety squad' will be working in towns and cities that are hosting Olympic or Paralympic events, or Live sites (venues with big screens where events will be shown live).

The focus of the campaign is on areas that are likely to experience a big influx of visitors, and on the expected increased number of outlets selling food during the Games period.

Food businesses that do not make the grade on inspections will be given one-to-one training to ensure they are aware of, and follow, food hygiene regulations. Tough enforcement action will follow where public health is put at risk.

Sarah Appleby, head of enforcement and local authority delivery at the Food Standards Agency said: "London 2012 is about celebrating everything that the UK has to offer and food is an important part of this.

"We have so much fantastic food to showcase to Games visitors, and we want food business owners to ensure that everything they sell is the best it can be. It will be an exceptionally busy time for a lot of these businesses, and the FSA is providing extra support and advice to make sure they are well prepared to meet the challenge."

Ben Milligan, an environmental health officer from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, said: "From my regular conversations with food businesses around East London I know the Games are seen as a real opportunity in terms of business and profits.

"At the same time, having to serve more people than normal can create situations that don't arise under normal circumstances, such as the need to produce and store lots of food in advance.

"I'm pleased to be part of the Food Safety Squad and am looking forward to working with my colleagues to provide the support these businesses need during the Olympic Games."