Home | Business | Business Issues | Commercial Premises | Food Hygiene Handbook | The Home Authority Principle

The Home Authority Principle

Portsmouth Trading Standards has a responsibility for enforcing a wide range of consumer law within its area.  Many companies based here also trade in other areas.  Therefore to avoid those companies dealing with numerous authorities, most problems which require advice will be channelled through us.  Equally if your business has its Head Office in another authority's area, we may refer appropriate problems to that authority.  The 'principle' is not compulsory but is supported by most Trading Standards authorities in the UK as it reduces the burden on businesses.

What if another Authority disagrees with our legal advice?  The law is sometimes complicated and authorities do have differing legal interpretations.  We will try to come to an agreement over any differences but if this fails we will consider a referral to the Local Authority Co-ordinating Body on Regulatory Services (LACORS).  LACORS has panels of experts who consider these matters after consulting appropriate trade representatives.  A LACORS interpretation carries great authority and we will normally abide by it.

What does the legislation require?

Food Standards

The content of certain foods must comply with compositional standards.  For example, a product marketed as a burger must contain at least 62% meat, depending on what meat is used.  a drink described as Low Alcohol must have an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 1.2%

Additives: Regulations control which additives are permitted and how much can be contained in food and drink.

Manufacturers should take detailed advice from us; we are legally bound not to disclose recipes or trade secrets.

Food Labelling

Pre-packed food and drink: Most pre-packed food for supply to the ultimate consumer must be labelled on the packaging in a legible and easy to understand manner with:

• The name of the food

• A list of ingredients

• An appropriate durability indication (Best Before Date or Use By Date)

• Special conditions; of storage or use

• Name and address; this should be either the manufacturer or an established EC seller

• The place of origin, if omission would mislead

• Any necessary instructions

• Statutory cautionary statement - raw milk only

• Names prescribed by law - fish, potatoes, melons and vitamins only

• A lot mark - unless the durability indication fulfils this requirement

• A metric weight indication

• Alcohol strength by volume for drinks