The port health worker
Sandra Westacott and her port health team have to be sure that products imported from outside the EU meet stringent European food safety standards.
Sandra Westacott
Much of the cargo coming into Southampton comprises food, and it is the job of the port health team to make sure it is safe.
The work here will never stop. It will change over time. When people find a new method of taking advantage in food, they will do it."Sandra Westacott
Sandra Westacott and her port health team have to be sure that products imported from outside the EU meet stringent European food safety standards.
Even apparently safe products are tested to ensure that they are free of bugs and micro-organisms which could make people seriously ill.
One of the challenges for Sandra and the team is try to keep any delays to legitimate products as small as possible.Β
We join the team as a container from the Far East is singled out for examination because its packing list does not appear to match up with what is inside it.
"The majority of food that comes into this country is perfectly safe," says Sandra.
"It's good, legitimate trade.
"What we're trying to do is find the products that could cause danger.
"The work here will never stop. It will change over time.
"When people find a new method of taking advantage in food, they will do it."
