Research into food sampling policies and approach

Research was required to understand: How local authorities consider and develop their sampling policies, the factors that influence the scope of their sampling framework and how they use the sampling results; To identify key factors that influence the development, implementation and evaluation of
sampling policies; and To understand what corrective action local authorities take in response to unsatisfactory samples and whether these actions effectively correct the issues identified. The research used a qualitative methodology with 22 x 45 minute telephone interviews to meet the exploratory nature of the objectives. Interviews were conducted by senior researchers and followed a topic guide that allowed views to be explored in a flexible manner.