MORE than 350 written warnings were handed out to businesses in Waverley over food hygiene issues over the last year, due to problems such as cleanliness and separation of food, according to data from the Food Standards Agency.

Inspectors assessed 1,123 businesses and handed out 351 written warnings in Waverley over the 12 months to April. The businesses inspected are mostly restaurants, but include any establishment which handles unpacked food including farms, manufacturers and catering companies.

Any breach of food hygiene regulations can lead to a written warning. Breaches include problems with cleanliness, training of staff, record keeping, washing facilities and separation of cooked and raw foods.

Officials consider the seriousness of the case, as well as the co-operation of the business, before deciding on what action to take.

High risk scores were given to five businesses in Waverley. This means they need to be inspected again within six months.

A spokesperson for Waverley Borough Council said: “The health and safety of residents and visitors to the borough is of paramount importance to us.

“If an officer finds a breach of food hygiene law they will take fast action to ensure the problem is rectified by the business.

“This will depend on the breach and will always be based on the principles set out in the council’s enforcement policy.

“The council uses compliance advice, guidance and support as a first response in the case of many breaches of legislation that are identified. Advice is provided, sometimes in the form of a warning letter, to assist businesses in rectifying breaches as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“However, further enforcement action may be necessary depending on the seriousness of the breach or if the warning has not been adhered to. For example, a Hygiene Improvement Notice may be served; in 2017/18 the council served five of these notices.”

A hygiene improvement notice directs businesses to comply with the law, stating what needs to be done, why and by when. If the notice is not complied with within the specified time limit then the officer can take further legal action.