Importing food
Foods imported into the UK may contain diseases, which may harm animal health and public health. There are regulations in place to control importing and the sale of imported food.
If illegally-imported foods are found at your business, officers may seize and destroy these. You may also be charged costs for the disposal of the food and you could also face prosecution.
As a food business:
- you must know where your food comes from - during any inspection you must be able to identify the name and address of the supplier of any item
- you should keep contact names and addresses for all your suppliers
- you must ensure food traceability documents, such as invoices and receipts, are available
- you must always use reputable suppliers and do not use suppliers who are unable to provide their contact details, invoice or receipt.