Festive gatherings, family meals and other seasonal opportunities for people to feast out might suggest that the borough’s restaurants can expect to do a fair trade this winter.
And customers can dine in the safe knowledge that Ealing Council’s food safety team has been carrying out thousands of checks over the last year, so you can enjoy a meal out without any nasty surprises.
The team has even been offering businesses an advisory service to provide advice and support, which often result in better food hygiene ratings for the restaurant.
Do your homework
Remember, reviews might tell you how good the food is, but they won’t tell you how safe it is to eat. Ealing Council is part of the national food hygiene rating scheme, and the results of food safety inspections are made publicly available online.
Don’t fall for a fake
It is not just more eating out that people tend to do this time of year. It’s shopping too.
Be careful, and avoid being tempted in to buying cheaper counterfeit goods online or instore. Everyone loves a bargain, but if the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Buying fake goods damages legitimate business and supports organised crime. Products often don’t meet safety standards, or are faulty, or made of poor-quality materials.
The council’s trading standards team investigates complaints, inspects businesses, and takes action against those selling illegal goods.
As shoppers, we are advised to buy from reputable retailers, to be wary of prices that seem too cheap, and to check the product, packaging and labelling carefully.
‘Safer, fairer’
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “We work tirelessly to ensure businesses meet the highest standards of health and safety, protecting both workers and the public. Our teams are also committed to cracking down on the sale of counterfeit goods.
“Through regular inspections, enforcement action, and close working with partners, we’re helping to create a safer, fairer trading environment for everyone.”
