Report a food safety problem
We can only investigate food safety complaints which have a risk to public health. We will assess each complaint we receive and decide on the best action to be taken, if any, depending on the nature of the complaint and the history of the food business.
Things we can investigate
- Confirmed food poisoning (by stool sample)
- Foods that contain a foreign object, such as metal, plastic, or glass
- Complaints about hygiene standards at food business premises
- Food sold with contamination i.e. visible signs of mould or decay
- Food sold past the use-by date (Not the best before date)
- Pests in food business premises
- Issues with Food Hygiene Ratings
- Food Crime and Whistleblowing
- Allergen concerns
Things we are unable to investigate
- Unavailable or Incorrect labelling. If you believe a food label is misleading or has missing information, please visit the Surrey Trading Standards Website
- Unsatisfactory food quality or poor customer service
- Instances where you have contacted the supplier already
- Complaints relating to businesses outside of Reigate & Banstead Borough
- Allegations of food poisoning
Tips for making a food complaint
Do:
- Keep receipts
- Keep the food in the original wrapper and, or container where possible.
- If you have confirmed food poisoning and have a sample of the food you consumed, please refrigerate the item as soon as possible. The sample should be in any original packaging and placed in a covered food grade container.
- If you suspect a foreign body in food, please freeze the food sample as soon as possible. The sample should be in any original packaging and placed in a covered food grade container.
Don’t:
- Handle or pull out any of the foreign object found in the food.
- Throw away any of the food or packaging.