Service Description: There are many regulations that control the receipt, handling, processing, storage and distribution of foods to ensure that it is wholesome and fit. The regulations and Food Safety Act 1990 also apply to drink. It is qualified environmental health staff who ensure that food businesses comply with these regulations.
Answer: Whilst this is not in itself an offence, steps must be taken to ensure that there is no risk of contamination to food, due to their natural behaviour of sniffing, licking and jumping up e.g. dogs. Proprietors are advised to exclude animals from the kitchen whilst food is being prepared, and to ensure that all work surfaces are disinfected before preparing any food.