Food safety inspections and ratings

Our Environmental Health Officers undertake regular checks on all food premises to ensure the public are protected and that high standards in food safety and hygiene are maintained. Inspections take place without prior warning and premises posing a higher risk are visited more frequently than those posing a lower risk.

During the inspection, we will want to be satisfied that adequate food safety controls are in place to protect food during storage, preparation and processing to prevent contamination and subsequent illness of those consuming the food. They will ensure staff are adequately trained or supervised and the condition and cleanliness of the premises meets required standards.

We will provide guidance and support to businesses to help them comply with their legal requirements. Where businesses fail to meet required standards officers will use a range of enforcement powers to instigate improvements.

Business are rated and awarded a score in accordance with the Food Standards Agency Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

Scores are awarded for:

• Food hygiene compliance
• Structural compliance
• Confidence in management

Businesses are not rated against the quality of the food they produce.

Businesses are provided with a window sticker like the one below but are under no legal obligation to display it.

Report a problem

If you have a concern about a food business

Or send your concerns to our Environmental Health Officers:

• Email contactus@eppingforestdc.gov.uk