During the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak we will not be able to carry out Food Advice or Re-score Inspections for Food Businesses. Please check back at a later date if you need to arrange either of these visits. Thank you for your understanding and we hope you all stay fit and healthy.
Food Advice and Hygiene Rating Re-Score Visits
Officers have a right to enter and inspect premises at all reasonable hours. They do not have to make an appointment and will usually visit without advance notice. They will look at the way the business is operated, identify potential hazards and make sure it complies with the law. They will discuss any problems and advise on possible solutions.
Food Premises can be inspected by Food Safety Specialist without appointments or prior notice.
The Food Safety Specialist will:
The Food Safety Specialist will:
Depending on the circumstances, the Food Safety Specialist might:
If improvements are recommended, appropriate timescales will be given, and follow up visits may be made.
It depends on the risk rating of the food business. Ratings are based on the type of business, type of food, number of potential customers, are customers in a high risk group (eg elderly residents of a nursing home), and other factors. High risk premises are inspected every six months, low risk premises could be inspected every three years.
As a result of an inspection the premises will be risk rated and a star rating awarded under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.
For further information please see the Food Standards Agency Publications page.