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FALMOUTH & TRURO PORT HEALTH AUTHORITY
The Falmouth & Truro Port Health Authority has existed since 1988 when it was established by an Act of Parliament. The role of the Authority has remained largely unchanged throughout this period, namely
1. The prevention into the UK of infectious disease and enforcement of International Health Regulations.
2. Food safety and hygiene regulations aboard vessels and other premises within the Port Health district, including the hygiene regulations of the local shellfish industry.
3. Environmental protection and statutory nuisance control within the district.
Although a small team of dedicated staff perform day to day operational functions, policy and strategic planning is agreed by elected members. The Port Health Authority Order was recently amended and the Authority is now comprised of 12 members (8 from Carrick District Council and 4 from Kerrier District Council) meeting in public three times a year and having a boundary covering the north and south coasts of both local authorities. An agency agreement also exists with Penwith District Council.
Since 1993 imports of products of animal origin from third countries have been controlled by European Council Directives which require that all products of animal origin must be imported into the European Union through approved Border Inspection Posts (BIPS). Construction of the new BIP in Falmouth was completed in 1999 and remains the only one in the region west of Avonmouth and Southampton. The building also houses a tourism office for the reception of maritime visitors as well as providing the administrative center for the Authority.
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