Aberdeenshire food businesses warned over misleading and intimidating tactics by consultancies
Aberdeenshire Council's environmental health service is warning food businesses to be aware of national consultancy companies contacting north-east operators in a misleading and intimidating manner.
Officers have recently been made aware of these consultants implying that they were acting on behalf of the local authority and using high pressure sales techniques to drive sign-ups.
These companies offer health and safety and food safety risk assessment services, and are trying to tie people into contracts costing £200-£250 per month.
Food Standards Scotland has also been made aware of reports concerning misleading and potentially intimidating approaches by consultants to food business operators.
Recent incidents in other local authority areas highlight instances where businesses have been pressured into paying for services under misleading pretences.
To ensure clarity and protect businesses, Aberdeenshire Council has reaffirmed the following key points:
• Aberdeenshire Council environmental health officers (EHOs) and food safety officers do not issue fines during food inspections. Instead, they provide advice and clear timescales for any required improvements.
• Advice is available free of charge from the environmental health service. Businesses seeking guidance may wish to contact the council before engaging with external consultants via environmental@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
• Local authorities do not routinely work directly with private consultants. If an individual claims to be affiliated with a council or regulatory body, businesses should verify their credentials.
• All official environmental health and food safety officers carry local authority identification and communicate via official @aberdeenshire.gov.uk email addresses
• Any instances of aggressive or misleading behaviour should be reported to the relevant local authority and, if necessary, to Police Scotland.
Aberdeenshire Council’s head of planning and economy Paul Macari said: “The intimidating tactics being employed by these consultancy businesses are unacceptable and putting our food operators under appalling stress and pressure.
“No business should feel pressured or misled by such behaviour. Our environmental health and food safety officers have a very strong and positive relationship with north-east food businesses and carry out regular visits to provide guidance and support free of charge.
“I would encourage businesses to contact our team if they have any concerns.”
Any business which has been approached recently by a consultant can let the local authority know at environmental@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
