The Food, Safety and Port Health service works to protect public health by ensuring food sold in our area is safe. While high-risk food businesses receive regular inspections, low-risk establishments are monitored through a different approach.
This strategy applies only to food businesses rated as low risk (‘E’ rating) under the Food Law Code of Practice (England). These businesses require an intervention at least every three years and have already undergone a full hygiene inspection.
Businesses will complete a self-assessment questionnaire to report any changes and confirm they continue to meet food hygiene and safety standards. If the questionnaire is not completed, or if changes are identified, a full or partial inspection may be carried out. Officers may also visit to verify information or investigate complaints, disease notifications, or poor sampling results.
Businesses under this strategy are excluded from the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) unless they request to be included, in which case an inspection will be arranged
Each year, a random 10% of low-risk businesses will be inspected to ensure continued compliance.
For more information, please refer to the Food Law Code of Practice (England) and the council’s food safety guidance.
Complete this short questionnaire.
