Food Safety Solicitor
Food safety enforcement can place a business, its premises and its reputation at immediate risk
Adkirk Law advises food businesses, directors, managers and professionals facing inspections, improvement or prohibition action, interviews under caution and prosecution. We provide practical advice designed to protect both the legal position and business continuity.
Advice from inspection onwards
Local authority officers are responsible for much day-to-day food law enforcement and can inspect premises, obtain evidence and take action to protect the public. Contact us promptly following a serious inspection, an allegation of contamination or illness, an enforcement notice or a request to attend an interview.
Food safety matters we handle
We advise on alleged breaches involving hygiene, unsafe food, allergens, labelling, traceability, pest control, temperature controls, HACCP-based procedures and failures attributed to directors or managers. We can liaise with regulators and technical experts, review due diligence systems and prepare representations.
Enforcement notices, closure and prosecution
The impact of hygiene improvement measures, prohibition procedures or prosecution can extend beyond any fine. Trading restrictions, reputational damage and adverse publicity may be critical. We examine whether enforcement action is justified and proportionate, advise on appeal routes and build a defence using records, procedures, training and expert evidence.
Supporting a rapid, organised response
Businesses should preserve documents, CCTV, supplier information, cleaning and temperature records and relevant communications. We help establish an evidence plan, avoid inconsistent responses and identify remedial action that can be taken without making inappropriate admissions.
If you or your organisation is facing an investigation, enforcement action or prosecution, contact Adkirk Law for confidential advice 0330 111 2814 or complete our online enquiry form.
What should I do after a poor food hygiene inspection?
Obtain the written findings, preserve all relevant records and address urgent safety issues. Take legal advice promptly if formal action or interview is likely.
Can a food business be closed immediately?
Certain powers can restrict or prohibit activities where the legal threshold is met. Urgent advice is important because the commercial impact can be immediate.
Can directors or managers be prosecuted personally?
Potentially, depending on the offence, evidence and the individual’s role. Companies and individuals may require separate advice.
What is a due diligence defence?
For some offences, a business may rely on evidence that it took all reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence. Whether it applies is fact-specific.
Can you help before an interview under caution?
Yes. We can review the disclosure, advise on interview strategy and attend with you where appropriate.
