Although we periodically take samples from the bigger food manufacturers, our focus is the small and medium-sized businesses that make or sell goods locally.

An open policy gives us freedom to sample from relevant premises during regular programmed inspections.

But we will also:

• Participate in national programmes identified by the Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee.

• Take part in other sampling surveys agreed at the West of Scotland Food Liaison Group.

• Sample whenever requested by Food Standards Scotland.

• Collaborate with other agencies in national and local projects to promote public health, to detect counterfeit sales or to deter potential fraudulent food activities.

• Sample following complaints by consumers or industry trade groups.

• Where national or local intelligence determines a need such as trends in problematic food products or retailer categories.

• Offer free advice to food business operators on food standards and where resources allow, a limited free sampling service to support fledgling and local 'start up' food businesses.

Contact us to request details of our sampling policy.