A COUNCIL says it welcomes a planned inspection by the Foods Standards Agency (FSA).

The agency is to carry out an investigation into the way Middlesbrough Borough Council carries out hygiene inspections of food outlets.

Councillor Ken Hall, Middlesbrough Borough Council's commissioner for the environment, says the council realises it is not perfect.

"We recognise that we do need to make improvements in food standards enforcement and we've already taken on extra staff to carry out enforcement work, improved computer systems and provided even more training for existing staff," said Coun Hall, whose department prosecuted 14 businesses last year for flouting hygiene regulations.

He said: "We'll always seek out and deal stringently with any business which puts the health and welfare of the pubic at risk, and we've been successful in targeting businesses which show a dangerous disregard for public health and safety.

"It's a difficult balance, but we think we're on the right lines by providing training, help and assistance to any business dealing in food, and prosecuting anyone who puts the public's health at risk.

"We welcome the FSA's new approach and we've already invited them to visit us and the state-of-the-art food technology centre at the University of Teesside."