Food Hygiene Inspections explained

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

Food inspections can be a very worrying experience 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.

What is a food hygiene inspection?

A food hygiene inspection is usually an in person visit by a regulatory food inspector, to verify that the legal requirements of food law are being followed. Inspections can be full or partial and are generally unannounced, they can take place at any reasonable time which is usually when you are open and trading. If you run a food business from home such as a home caterer you will be contacted in advance and inspected in the same way.

Remember - it is a snapshot of what is happening in your business at the time of the inspection so that is why it is important to embed your food safety procedures and be consistent every day.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS)

“allows consumers to make informed decisions about the places they eat out or shop for food and, through these decisions, encourage businesses to improve their hygiene standards.
”

— Food Standards Agency Brand Standard June 2023

Which food businesses are included?

Registered 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 and chemist shops are exempt but still need to comply with food safety legislation. You can register a food business online using the Food Standards Agency online portal.

How is the rating score determined?

The FHRS score is split into 3 separate 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.

How often will my food business be inspected?

Registered food businesses are inspected following the Food Law Code of Practice and are given a risk rating score based on:

The type of food and method of handling e.g. manufacturing of high risk or retailing pre packed food
The method of processing, additional scoring is given for high risk processes including canning, vacuum packing, sous vide cooking, cook/chill ready meals, fermented food, etc.
The number of consumers at risk
If customers are considered to be in a vulnerable risk group (of more than 20 persons) e.g. hospitals, care homes, schools
The score given for food hygiene, structure and cleaning and confidence in management
Significant risk of contamination that is likely to occur during food production with Clostridium Botulinum or other harmful bacteria (applied on a case by case basis)
The total score will determine the minimum frequency of how often a food business is inspected (it could be less if determined by the food inspector):
A 92 or higher At least every 6 months;
B 72 to 91 At least every 12 months;
C 52 to 71 At least every 18 months
D 31 to 51 At least every 24 months
E 0 to 30 At least every 36 months

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). However it is encouraged. New businesses will be sent a ‘AWAITING INSPECTION’ sticker so customers know that they are registered but have not had an inspection visit yet.

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.

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