Regulation 3 Powers of authorised officers

(1)

An authorised officer may, on producing, if so required, some duly authenticated document showing his authority, exercise the powers specified in this regulation for the purpose of ascertaining whether an offence under regulation 4(1) below has been or is being committed.

(2)

An authorised officer may enter any premises (other than premises used solely as a dwelling) on which he has reasonable grounds for believing that there is, or has been, any surplus food.

(3)

An authorised officer who has entered any premises by virtue of this regulation may—

(a)

inspect those premises and any surplus food found on those premises;

(b)

require the person in charge of those premises, or any employee or agent of such person, to produce any record or document in his possession relating to the receipt and distribution of surplus food and to supply such additional information relating thereto as the authorised officer may reasonably request;

(c)

inspect any such record or document and, where any such record or document is kept by means of a computer, have access to, and inspect and check the operation of, any computer and any associated apparatus or material which is or has been used in connection with that record or document;

(d)

require that copies of, or extracts from, any such record or document be produced;

(e)

seize and retain any such record or document which he has reason to believe may be required as evidence in proceedings under these Regulations and, where any such record or document is kept by means of a computer, require it to be produced in a form in which it may be taken away;

(f)

seize and retain any surplus food—

(i)

which he has reasonable grounds for believing is being offered, exposed or advertised for sale; or

(ii)

which any person is reasonably suspected of having in his possession for sale or for distribution to persons who are not eligible recipients.

(4)

An authorised officer entering any premises by virtue of this regulation may take with him such other persons as he considers necessary.

(5)

Any person in charge of any premises which an authorised officer has entered by virtue of this regulation and any employee or agent of such person shall give to the authorised officer such assistance as the authorised officer may reasonably request so as to enable the authorised officer to exercise any power conferred upon him by this regulation.

(6)

In paragraphs (2), (3), (4) and (5) above “premises” includes any vehicle.