Environmental problems Flooding for business and land owners

Health and safety after a flood

We can visit your premise to offer specific advice on food hygiene and health and safety after a flood, eg advice on cleaning and disinfecting of equipment and throwing away food and drink. Read more about our Food Safety Advice Service.

When you come to clean up and re-open your food business, you should consider:

  • Wooden beer casks which have been in contact with floodwaters must be thrown away. Metal beer barrels may be able to be used as long as the floodwater has not reached any connection, out let or inlet.
  • When returning any contaminated barrels, casks, bottles and cans, advise your suppliers they've been in contact with floodwaters so they can take the necessary precautions.
  • You must dispose of all flood-damaged food and drink is correctly; if anyone consumes it, they could become ill. If you're in any doubt about the safe disposal of such items, contact our Food Safety Advice Service.  
  • Some equipment, although in working order, could be difficult to clean properly.  Any equipment such as fridges, freezers and ovens, where the motor or fan is included in, or directly communicates with the main body of the unit, must be thrown away.
  • If you're in any doubt about the need for disposal, or whether it’s possible to disinfect equipment properly, contact our Food Safety Advice Service and we may visit you to help.  
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