Complaints about food and food business premises

Can I report unhygienic food premises or food preparation practices?

We will only immediately investigate where there is:

• a serious risk to public health
  
• the likelihood of injury
  
• an indication of a serious breach of food safety laws. 

For less serious issues, which are unlikely to cause injury or illness, you may wish to discuss your concerns with the food business directly in the first instance. 

Please note: anonymous complaints will be used for intelligence, but depending on how serious the issue is, they will not always be investigated.

Report unhygienic food premises or practices

Can I report food which is contaminated or past its use by date?

We will only immediately investigate where there is:

• a serious risk to public health
  
• the likelihood of injury
  
• an indication of a serious breach of food safety laws. 

For less serious issues, such as mouldy vegetables or bread, or involving the supply of products from outside the East Riding, customers will normally be expected to attempt to resolve such complaints directly with the supplier in the first instance. The council is unable to negotiate compensation on your behalf.

Please note: anonymous complaints will be used for intelligence, but depending on how serious the issue is, they will not always be investigated.

Report unsatisfactory food

How is my food complaint investigated?

Depending on the health risk presented by your report we may: 

• visit the food premises
  
• take legal action, or 
  
• retain the information for intelligence purposes.

Please note: it is helpful to our investigations if you provide your name and contact details but you can remain anonymous if you prefer.

Can I complain about food labelling, misleading claims or counterfeit foods?

All complaints related to food standards, such as:

• the labelling of food
  
• food fraud, such as misleading claims
  
• the supply of counterfeit foods, such as spirits
  
• substituted foods, such as meat.

should be reported to Citizens Advice:

Could I have food poisoning?

Read about suspected food poisoning and how you can report it.