A move to tender for food safety inspections has prompted questions in the House of Keys, after it emerged DEFA currently employs 13 people in its environmental health team.
Responding to a question from Julie Edge, member for Environment, Food and Agriculture, John Wannenburg confirmed the team includes “seven qualified environmental health officers”, one trainee, one food safety officer, three pest control officers, and one meat hygiene inspector.
Ms Edge asked whether there had been a recent reduction in employee numbers, noting the department had gone out to tender for food safety inspections.
She said: “As we’re supposed to be trying to be efficient and reduce the numbers of employees, I’m wondering why we’ve gone out to a private tender to do carry out these works.”
Mr Wannenburg said minister Clare Barber would answer a question on the tender next month, adding that “the reasoning will be fully explained at that point”.
He also said a statement would be made on the proposed new food hygiene scheme.
Asked about the budget for the tender, Mr Wannenburg said: “I do not have access to that information. I’m not even sure if the tender has been completed.”