Food safety

Contents

Our Environmental Health team investigates concerns relating to food safety. 

This includes issues with food or drink that has been purchased or consumed, as well as conditions within food premises.

Although most food and drink is produced safely, problems can occasionally occur. 

Our response will depend on the nature and severity of the concern. 

Where a risk to food safety is identified, we will take appropriate action to ensure the food business operator addresses any issues.

Reporting Food Safety Concerns

Reporting food safety concerns

Concerns about food premises

If you have visited a food business in East Lothian and noticed poor cleanliness or other hygiene concerns, please email ehts@eastlothian.gov.uk and include:

  • your name
  • your telephone number
  • the name of the food business
  • details of your concern
  • the date you visited the food business

We prioritise issues that pose a serious risk to food safety therefore the type of response will be based on the nature of the concern:

  • high‑risk concerns (e.g., evidence of contamination in food preparation areas) will lead to an immediate visit.
  • lower‑risk concerns will be recorded and considered during the next scheduled inspection

Concerns about contaminated food or drink

If you receive food or drink that appears contaminated for example, containing a foreign object or having an unusual taste or smell — you should contact us.

please email ehts@eastlothian.gov.uk and include:

  • your name
  • your telephone number
  • details of where and when the item was bought
  • information on when you noticed the problem

To investigate effectively, we may ask you to provide (where available):

  • any remaining food or drink
  • packaging  
  • proof of purchase (e.g., a receipt)
Information to be aware of

Some cases may require laboratory testing to identify the source of the issue. This can involve working with other local authorities and may take time to complete.

Although many people return the product to the retailer, reporting the matter to Environmental Health helps identify any wider food safety or quality concerns. 

You may still raise the issue directly with the supplier, though we are unable to do this on your behalf.

In more serious cases, the investigation may lead to formal legal action. If so, you may be asked to provide a witness statement and, where necessary, give evidence in court.