Food Hygiene Inspections explained

As an Environmental Health Practitioner I have inspected hundreds of premises over the last few years, and often get asked about the Food Hygiene Rating scoring and how it works. 

Inspections can be a  very worrying experience for most people but contrary to popular belief the inspector is not trying to catch you out!! There is a standard to follow and an appeal process so if you don't think the inspector has been fair you can challenge their decisions.

Inspections are generally unannounced, unless you run a business from home, and can take place at any reasonable time usually when you are open and trading. It is a snapshot of what is happening in your business at the time of the inspection. 

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS)

Which food businesses are included?

Food Businesses that supply food direct to the consumer such as caterers including cafes, restaurants delis, mobiles and market stalls; retailers including shops and supermarkets and institutional catering including hospitals, care homes and schools are included in the scheme. 

Those food businesses that don’t supply food to the final consumer including manufacturers, primary producers and low risk premises such as newsagents, visitors centres chemist shops are exempt but still need to comply with food safety legislation. 

How is the rating score determined?

The FHRS score is split into 3 distinct areas:

·   Food Hygiene and Safety Procedures

·   Structural Requirements (including cleaning)

·   Confidence in Management (including HACCP documentation)

 There are six levels of  food hygiene ratings from  ‘0’  to ‘5’  and the top rating is ‘very good’ and shows a high standard of compliance with food safety law.  

5 – hygiene standards are very good

4 – hygiene standards are good

3 – hygiene standards are generally satisfactory

2 – some improvement is necessary

1 – major improvement is necessary

0 – urgent improvement is required
 

Remember, to get a level 5 'Very Good' rating for your food business you must achieve a score of 0 to 5 score in food hygiene and structural standards as well as Confidence in Management.

Do I need to display my rating?

It is NOT currently mandatory for food businesses in England eligible for the scheme to display their Food Hygiene Rating sticker (however it is in Wales and Northern Ireland).

Ratings are listed on the Food Hygiene Rating website and can be viewed by the general public to make decisions on where they eat outside the home.