DirectorSafer Food Scores give us the confidence that risks are identified, standards are maintained and our teams are properly supported.
We have worked with members of the team for over 20 years, and they continue to deliver practical training, clear documentation and straightforward advice that works in day-to-day operations.
Their 6-monthly audits help us maintain high standards across our sites, and they are always professional, responsive and knowledgeable. A pleasure to work with and highly recommended.
Our food hygiene rating support will help you improve your food hygiene rating
Food hygiene rating schemes
The Food Standards Agency’s food hygiene rating scheme is operated by local councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Following a routine inspection by an environmental health officer, food businesses are given a rating of 0 (Urgent Improvement Necessary) to 5 (Very Good). This rating is published on a website for your customers and the media to read.
It is now compulsory for this rating to be displayed at the entrance to food businesses in Wales and Northern Ireland and the Government plan to make this a legal requirement in England. Scotland has a similar system known as the Food Information Scheme which awards food businesses with either a ‘pass’ or ‘improvement required’.
What to do if you receive a poor food hygiene rating
If you feel that the food hygiene rating you received was fair but you’d like a better one, you can ask your local council to re-score your business. You must have completed any required actions before you make this request which has to be on an official form. An unannounced re-scoring visit will take place within 3-6 months of your inspection. Some councils now charge for this re-visit in which case they undertake to return within 3 months.
If you feel that you have been scored unfairly, you can appeal the council’s decision within 21 days of being notified of your score. You must complete an official form outlining the reasons why you feel you should have received a higher rating. The council will not publish your score on the website until they have considered your appeal.
About our food hygiene ratings support
We can visit your food premises regularly to check that the law is being complied with and provide coaching on how to improve. Following our visits, we give you a prediction of the food hygiene rating you would have received and an action plan of how you can achieve 5 out of 5. We can also liaise with the local council on your behalf and assist you in applying for a re-score or making an appeal.
Client testimonials
General Manager The Stafford LondonThe Stafford is one of London’s most historic and quintessentially English five-star hotels. Our teams provide unrivalled levels of service and expect our suppliers to do the same. Safer Food Scores have not disappointed.
The team at Safer Food Scores visit regularly to support and coach our chefs and to keep us up-to-date with new legislation and guidance. They have developed an easy to use food safety management system that is primary authority assured. This means that local environmental health officers and our guests can be confident that it will achieve high standards of food safety, and we can be confident that we will receive fair and consistent enforcement.
Safer Food Scores are always on hand with honest and easy to understand advice and I would be happy to recommend their services.
Regional Director Pentahotels UKSafer Food Scores have helped us identify risks, stay compliant and achieve maximum hygiene ratings across all of our sites.
Over the past four years, they have supported us in implementing food safety and health & safety management systems, providing practical guidance, clear recommendations and a thorough audit process.
Their team are knowledgeable, responsive and easy to work with, and we would highly recommend them to any business looking for expert support in food safety and health & safety.
