Running a food business
Food inspections
This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
You can be inspected by your local council at any point in the food production and distribution process. All inspectors must follow the Food Law Code of Practice. Usually, you will not be told an inspection is going to happen.
How often you’re inspected depends on the risk your business poses to public health. You might not be inspected as often if you’re a member of a recognised assurance scheme. You can search for a registered assurance scheme online.
If you’re a food retailer or caterer you’ll be inspected regularly to make sure you comply with food safety laws. Check the guidance for caterers and guidance for food retailers.
Find your local council enforcement officers.
What will be checked
The inspector will check:
- how hygienically the food is handled - how it’s prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored
- the physical condition of your business - including cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, pest control and other facilities
- the processes, training and systems you use to make sure good hygiene is maintained
Food samples can be taken as well as photographed.
After the inspection
You’ll be told in writing what your food hygiene rating is and why you were given this rating. This will be either at the time of inspection or within 14 days.
If you’re given a low rating, the letter will confirm any improvements you need to make and by when.
For serious food safety problems you may be sent a ‘notice’. Your business will be revisited to make sure you have followed the improvements in the notice. Example notices include a:
- Hygiene Improvement Notice
- Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notices - banning you from using certain equipment or following certain processes
Appeals
If you think your rating is wrong, you can publish a response, submit an appeal or request a ‘re-rating inspection’.