Food hygiene inspections
Why are food businesses inspected?
To ensure that they produce food which is safe to eat and which complies with the statutory food hygiene legislation.
Must an officer notify me of an inspection?
No. Usually inspections are unannounced. Officers are able to enter and inspect premises at all reasonable hours. If you prepare food at home, an officer must give you 24 hours notice prior to the inspection.
Occasionally officers may make an appointment. This is usually when they need to see a specific person, a certain process or specific documentation/computer records.
How often will my business be inspected?
This depends upon the risk associated with your premises. Some businesses are inspected every 6 months, others may be inspected once every 5 years. Higher risk businesses will be inspected more frequently.
What does an inspection involve?
The officer will inspect the premises, will observe practices and assess the suitability of documentation to ensure that the business complies with all aspects of the food hygiene legislation. The inspection and any follow up action taken by the inspector must comply with the Food Standards Agency’s Framework Agreement and the Food Law Code of Practice.
What documentation will the officer want to see?
The officer will specifically want to see your documented food safety management system. It is extremely important that this is fully completed and is in daily use. This is the document that shows you have a commitment to managing your business safely. All members of staff should be aware of this document and should have received training on it.
If you keep any other records which you use on a daily basis these should also be available for inspection, for example temperature monitoring records.
What is my Food Hygiene Rating based upon?
This is based upon the score the officer gives you for structure, hygiene and confidence in management - your documented FSMS at the time of your inspection.
What follow up action will the officer take after an inspection?
We take a graduated approach to enforcement in line with the Framework Agreement. Any follow up action will depend upon the conditions found at the time of the inspection. This could be a written Report of Inspection (left on site at the time of inspection), a letter which outlines minor contraventions, the service of notices to deal with more serious contraventions and ultimately more rigid enforcement in the form of legal proceedings.
Where can I find more information about food hygiene inspections?
See the related links on this page for more information.