Food safety inspections
We inspect all food businesses that produce, prepare and supply food to the public.
How often a food business is inspected will depend on the type of food handled, how the business is managed, the condition of the premises and if we have received any complaints.
We have the right to enter a food business and carry out an inspection without an appointment. Most inspections are therefore unannounced.
When a food business opens, we will carry out an initial inspection. We will then carry out routine inspections.
What happens during inspections
During the inspection we check:
- all relevant food safety documents – food safety management systems, temperature records, training records, pest control record, cleaning schedules
- the condition of the premises
- the standard of cleaning
- the temperatures of fridges, freezers and hot hold equipment
We may take photographs or samples and can detain or seize food.
If you are given food safety actions as a result of the inspection, we will tell you whether it is a legal requirement or good practice. We may revisit your premises and have legal powers available to make sure you comply.
Following a food safety inspection, your business will be given a food hygiene rating. You will be told your rating at the end of the inspection or within 14 days.
Sampling
We complete sampling during food hygiene inspections, if there has been a complaint and as part of national studies.
There are two types of sampling, food safety and food standards.
Food safety sampling
Food safety sampling involves submitting the food to the UK Health Security Agency’s laboratory. They test for the amount and type of the bacteria in the food.
The results show if the food is safe to eat and for how long it will remain safe if it is stored correctly.
Swabs of food preparation areas, food containers and utensils can be taken.
Water supplies may also be tested.
Food standards sampling
Food standards sampling involves looking at the composition of the food such as comparing the amount of fat in minced beef to what the label on the packet says.
If we sample food from your premises we will share the results of the analysis with you.
Appealing a food hygiene rating
If you think your food hygiene rating is unfair or incorrect, you can appeal in writing.
Before making an appeal, contact the food safety officer to understand why the rating was given.
You must submit your appeal within 21 days (including weekends and bank holidays) of receiving your food hygiene rating notification letter. The rating will not appear on the national website until the appeal has been determined.
Use the Food Standards Agency appeal form.
Return the completed form to the lead officer for food using the contact details provided with your rating notification letter.
Appeals will normally be determined within 21 days of being received.
Request a reinspection
If the improvements stated in your initial food hygiene inspection have been completed and you can show they are being maintained, you can pay for a reinspection visit.
The fee is £248 and includes administration, officer travel, inspection time and the follow up report.
How to apply
Step 1: Complete a reinspection request form and email it to foodandhealth@southglos.gov.uk.
Step 2: Make your payment online by selecting the other payments option. From the dropdown menu, choose food health and safety and then food hygiene rating scheme reinspection.
You can also pay by phone on 01454 868001.
The fee must be paid before the visit takes place.
What happens next
After your application and payment have been received, the reinspection will take place within three months.
The visit will be unannounced and carried out by a different officer from the one who completed the original inspection.
A new food hygiene rating will then be awarded based on the standards found at the time of the visit. The rating may stay the same, increase or decrease depending on the standards found during the inspection.
Right to reply
If you disagree with your rating, you can submit a right to reply.
A right to reply allows you to explain the improvements you have made or provide additional context about your rating. Your comments may be published alongside your rating on the Food Standards Agency website.
Complete the Food Standards Agency right to reply form.