Running a food business
Food hygiene inspections
If you set up a business that serves or sells food, an Environmental Health Officer / Food Safety Officer may visit to make a hygiene inspection. Depending upon the activity, others may may be provided with a questionnaire in place of a visit.
Hygiene inspection visits ensure the business is operating within good levels of cleanliness and hygiene practices.
Officers will look at:
- your premises
- how you work
- your food safety management system
- the types of food you make and prepare
How often your business is routinely inspected will depend on the type of business and its previous record. Some premises might be inspected at least every six months, others much less often.
When they visit, the officers will offer help and advice on food safety but cannot act as your Consultant. They can take action if they find that your standards of food hygiene do not comply with legal requirements.
You will be assigned a Food Hygiene Rating score following the visit unless exempt or excluded from the scheme (FHRS).