Councils warn businesses of dodgy consultants

Several councils in England and Scotland have issued warnings following reports of misleading approaches by consultants to food companies.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Environmental Health Service said food businesses need to be aware of national consultancy companies contacting operators in a misleading and intimidating manner.

Consultants implied they were acting on behalf of Aberdeenshire Council and used high pressure sales techniques to drive sign-ups. They offer health and safety and food safety risk assessment services, and are trying to tie people into contracts costing £200 to £250 ($266 to $333) per month.

In Falkirk, the owner of a local business said a representative had made contact wanting £200 per month from the firm and had followed up with three phone calls.  

Food Standards Scotland is aware of the reported approaches by consultants to food businesses.

Environmental health officers (EHOs) and food safety officers do not issue fines during food inspections. Instead, they provide advice and timescales for any required improvements.

Local authorities do not routinely work directly with private consultants. If an individual claims to be affiliated with a council or regulatory body, businesses should verify these credentials.

Unacceptable intimidating tactics
Any instances of aggressive or misleading behavior should be reported to the relevant authority and, if necessary, to police. One incident has been logged in Falkirk following a consultant’s visit to a local food business.

Paul Macari, from Aberdeenshire Council, said: “The intimidating tactics being employed by these consultancy businesses are unacceptable and putting our food operators under appalling stress and pressure.

“No business should feel pressured or misled by such behavior. Our environmental health and food safety officers have a very strong and positive relationship with north-east food businesses and carry out regular visits to provide guidance and support free of charge. I would encourage businesses to contact our team if they have any concerns.”

Shropshire Council’s food safety team also said it was aware of reports concerning misleading approaches by consultants toward food business operators.

Businesses have been pressured into paying for services under misleading situations and there has potentially been impersonation of authorized officers working for the local authority.

One business reported that a company approached them to sell food consultancy services. The company said the consultancy also claimed to be recommended by Shropshire Council and wanted £450 ($600) per month for their services for a fixed term.

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