The food hygiene rating given to a business reflects the food hygiene standards found at the time of the inspection by local authority food officers. The hygiene rating is not a guide to food quality. Inspections and visits are undertaken in line with the Food Standards Agency code of practice (external link)
Most businesses are included in the scheme, but some are not, such as low risk premises which only sell pre-wrapped confectionery, manufacturers and processors.
How does the scheme operate?
Safeguards
Businesses can request an appeal, have a 'right to reply' and can request a re-visit inspection from their local authority.
How do I appeal against my rating?
Before making an appeal, business owners or managers should contact the inspecting officer first to understand why the rating was given. If the business owner or manager still thinks that the rating is unfair or wrong, they can appeal in writing.
How do I request a re-visit?
There is a charge of £150.00 which must accompany any application for a Re-visit. Your application must detail all the work undertaken to address the matters detailed on the last food hygiene rating letter.
Once you have submitted your application, a member of our Customer Services Team will contact you to take payment over the telephone. Please ensure you have provided an up-to-date telephone number. Your application cannot be processed until payment has been taken.
Business's right to reply
The right to reply allows the business to tell the customers how the business has improved its hygiene standards or if there were unusual circumstances at the time of inspection. This response will be published online, alongside the rating.
Do I have to display my rating?
- Displaying your rating is good for business (external link)
- It's good for your business - how to get the most out of your hygiene rating (external link)
Where do I get advice to improve my rating?
All businesses should be able to achieve the top rating of five. If they do not, we will outline the improvements that they need to make, and advise on how to achieve a higher rating.
The Food Standards Agency (external link) provides business guidance to help manage food hygiene and helpful information about food law inspections.
Email the Food Safety team at foodandsafety@eastcambs.gov.uk or telephone 01353 665555.