Please ensure you’ve done everything you can to resolve your issue with the business first.

If you encounter poor hygiene, suspect food poisoning, or are sold unfit food after visiting a Blackpool or Fylde Coast establishment, following this clear process ensures your complaint is handled correctly and professionally.

STEP 1: Addressing the Business Owner Directly (The Quick Fix)

The first step should always be to raise the issue immediately and calmly with the staff or manager on duty. This often resolves minor issues instantly.

Do This Immediately:

• Document Everything: Before speaking to anyone, take photos or videos of the problem (evidence is critical). Note the time, date, and exactly what the issue is.
• Speak to the Manager: Politely ask to speak to the person in charge. Clearly explain the issue and show them your evidence.
• Request a Solution: Ask for a full refund, replacement, or other appropriate action. Always keep a copy of your receipt or payment proof.

WARNING: Food Ordering Apps (Just Eat, Deliveroo, etc.)

If your order was placed through a third-party app, you are often relying on their customer service team, which acts as a barrier to the business owner.

• Best Practice: Order Direct – support local businesses. We always advise ordering directly from the takeaway’s own website or phone number. This gives you direct communication and keeps the revenue fully local.
• App Process: If you must use an app, report the issue through their system first, but be aware that genuine hygiene issues may require the evidence to be shared with the app, which then passes it to the business for resolution, sometimes delaying action.

STEP 2: Formal Escalation (The Official Route)

If the business fails to resolve the issue, or if the problem is severe (e.g., pests, serious cross-contamination, or suspected food poisoning), you must escalate immediately to the official enforcement body: Blackpool Council’s Environmental Health Team.

Reporting correctly ensures the business is investigated under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) and could trigger a formal inspection.

Action Plan for Formal Reporting:

1. Collect Final Evidence: Ensure you have the full name and address of the business and all documentation (photos, receipts, saved food).
2. Contact the Correct Authority: All official food hygiene complaints for Blackpool and the surrounding Fylde Coast must be reported to the local authority. Do not simply call the business owner again; this will not trigger an official inspection.
3. Report via the Official Channels:
   • FSA Portal (Recommended): The fastest way is to submit the report directly through the FSA website’s complaint portal. They then forward the case instantly to the correct Environmental Health Team at Blackpool Council.
   • Blackpool Council: Alternatively, you can click – Blackpool Council’s Environmental Health or call to report on 01253 477477 (customer first) directly during office hours. (they may ask you to fill out the web form though)

When Filing the Report, Be Precise: State clearly if the issue is the discovery of a foreign object, suspected food poisoning, or a general poor standard of cleanliness.

STEP 3: Last Resort – Contact Blackpool News

If you have gone through Steps 1 and 2, but the issue remains unresolved, or if you believe the severity of the incident is a matter of public safety that deserves urgent attention (especially for businesses with prior Blackpool 1-Star Hygiene failures), you can escalate the matter to our news team.

• Email the Newsdesk: Send a detailed account of the incident, including all your evidence and proof of the initial steps you took (your complaint to the manager and your report to the FSA/Council) to: newsdesk@blackpoolnews.uk

Your vigilance helps keep our community safe and holds those responsible for food failures accountable. Don’t let a bad experience go unreported!