Retail Visits
We make visits to retail premises by way of programmed inspection or complaints. The types of premises we visit are food and non-food shops, supermarkets, petrol stations. We examine the trading methods used and check goods are accurate for quality, quantity and safety. We also visit shops selling fireworks to check on the types of fireworks being sold and make sure that statutory notices are displayed by the seller.
Manufacturing Premises and Importers
We regularly visit premises that produce food products as part of a programmed food standards inspection, and we also visit other manufacturers and importers. Businesses packing goods by quantity are checked to make sure they comply with the EU Average Quantity System.
Sampling - Food and Product Safety
We routinely sample everyday foods and send them to the public analyst for testing to make sure the food meets quality standards and that it is labelled correctly. In addition we liaise and assist the Food Standards Agency in project work and food alerts. Up to date food alerts can be found at Food Standards Agency (External link) website.
We are constantly on the look out for products, particularly toys that do not meet safety standards. All products must be reasonably safe and made to certain standards. We buy articles and send them to be tested to make sure that they are safe. Consumer product recall information can be found at trading standards (External link) website.
Agricultural Visits
We visit farms to make checks on farmers who mix food to feed to their animals. Farmers must register with the local authority. Information concerning this is on the Food Standards Agency (External link) website.
Industrial/Mobile Visits
We visit industrial premises where weighing and measuring equipment is used for trade to test for accuracy of that equipment. Mobile checks are made on vehicles carrying road fuel, coal, sand, ballast and tarmac to ensure the customer is receiving the amount being paid for. In addition we undertake regular checks with the Police, Vosa, Customs & Excise and others by making checks for safety and unfair competition with regards to goods vehicles and their loads.
Business Advice
We provide advice and guidance on trading standards matters to businesses located within the Wigan borough. If your business is based outside Wigan you should contact your local trading standards, please locate your home authority.
Information is available by way of guidance leaflets at trading standards (External link) website or ask cedric (External link).
