Food premises inspection and investigation process

Will I be charged for an inspection?

There is no charge for a routine food hygiene inspection, revisit to check compliance with statutory contraventions, complaint investigation or sampling visit.

There is a charge for a re-inspection if a food business requests a re-visit with the aim to improve its food hygiene rating score.

Who inspects food businesses?

An Environmental Health Officer will inspect food businesses in Surrey Heath. Always ask to see some form of official identification and if in doubt call us on 01276 707100. Food inspections are normally carried out without prior notice.  

How often are businesses inspected?

Inspection intervals range from every six months to every three years. The frequency is assessed at the end of the inspection, and depends on a variety of factors including:

• the type of food prepared, methods of handling and whether high risk processes are involved
• the number and type of consumers 
• general compliance with hygiene rules

What happens during an inspection?

The officer(s) will:

• talk to staff about how they handle and prepare food 
• check all parts of your premise and equipment for cleanliness, layout, maintenance and pest activity
• inspect relevant documentation, which may include menus, temperature records, food safety management systems, pest control records, staff training records and allergen information. Inspectors may also take samples and swabs.

What will happen if an officer finds problems at my business?

This depends on the seriousness of the problem. If the contravention(s) is less serious we will advise you on what those contraventions are and provide timescales to comply. This will usually be followed up by a warning letter, and a revisit carried out to check improvements have been carried out.

More serious matters will be dealt with more formally, ranging from the service of an improvement notice to possible prosecution for very serious offences. In very serious situations you may be required to close your business until the matters have been resolved. However, in most cases we will help businesses comply with the regulations.

What powers do officers have?

Officers have the power to:

• enter the premises and inspect
• take samples and photographs and inspect records
• detain or seize food
• issues improvement notices
• if there is an imminent risk to health officers  can serve a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice requires businesses to stop using the premises or equipment
• can formally exclude someone from working in a food business if they are found to be suffering with a food-borne illness or infectious disease

What am I entitled to expect from the officer?

You can expect our officer to:

• have a courteous manner
• show identification
• give feedback from any inspection, such as information about hazards which have been identified 
• clearly distinguish between what you must do to comply with the law and what is recommended good practice
• give you the reasons in writing for any action you are asked to take
• give you reasonable time to meet statutory requirements (except where there is an immediate risk to public health)

May I refuse entry?

No. It is a criminal offence to obstruct an authorised officer in the course of their duty. Officers have the right of entry to food premises in reasonable hours. They do not have to make an appointment and they will usually come without advance notice.