The Food and Safety Team

The Food and Safety Team aims to protect and improve public health and safety by promoting good hygiene standards and safe working practices. The annual Food Service Plan, (see downloads), provides details of the work of the Food and Safety Team and information on our past performance and future plans.

Food Safety Officers make unannounced visits to food businesses. They check hygiene standards, look at how food is handled and how well premises are being managed. Advice and guidance on good hygiene practices is given and officers will discuss how improvements could be made to benefit the business or reduce risks to consumers.   

The Food and Safety Team follows the Government's Regulatory Code on Good Enforcement. The code aims to help businesses comply with food laws and help officers achieve higher levels of voluntary compliance.

To help businesses comply with food laws, the Food and Safety Team’s Business Guide, (see downloads) provides a summary of the food and safety laws that apply to food businesses. Details of our service standards and enforcement policy are also included.

Registering a Food Business

All food businesses in Middlesbrough must be registered with the Food and Safety Team. Registration is free and is required for any premises where food, including drink, is stored, handled, possessed, offered or exposed for sale. A registration form (see downloads) should be completed at least 28 days before the date the business intends to open.