What does a food hygiene inspector check?

A food hygiene inspection is carried out by a food safety officer from your local council, often called an EHO (environmental health officer). Here is what they look at, which records they usually ask for, and how to get ready.

What the officer looks at

• How you handle food: storage, preparation, cooking, cooling, reheating and how you keep raw and ready-to-eat food apart.
• The building: cleanliness, repair, layout, lighting, ventilation, handwashing facilities and pest control.
• How you manage food safety: your written system and records, staff training, and whether you understand the risks.

Records they usually ask to see

• Your food safety management system, for example Safer Food, Better Business, CookSafe or Safe Catering
• Your daily diary with opening and closing checks
• Fridge, freezer, cooking, cooling and hot holding temperature records
• Cleaning schedules
• Staff training records
• Pest control records and contractor reports
• Allergen information for your dishes
• Supplier and delivery records

How often inspections happen

It depends on the risk of your business. In England, the highest-risk businesses are inspected about every 6 months and the lowest-risk about every 3 years. If a visit finds serious problems, the council must follow up.

How to get ready

1. Make sure every daily check is filled in, with no gaps, and signed.
2. Check that failed temperatures have a written fix next to them.
3. Have your allergen chart up to date for every dish on the menu.
4. Keep training certificates and staff records together.
5. Keep pest control reports and your cleaning schedule easy to find.
6. Check your probe thermometer works: −1°C to 1°C in iced water, 99°C to 101°C in boiling water.
7. Do your 4-weekly review and act on any repeated problems.

After the inspection

• You should get your rating in writing within 14 days of the visit.
• You can appeal within 21 days, free of charge.
• You can publish a “right to reply” next to your rating.
• Once you have made improvements, you can ask for a re-rating visit. Send evidence such as photos, invoices and records. Most councils charge a fee, often £190–£350.