Food Hygiene Ratings

Build Brand Credibility & Confidence

Research shows that investors, customers, and stakeholders care about your food hygiene rating. A good rating helps build trust, keeps customers coming back, and protects your reputation. It can also help your business grow and attract new opportunities. Food Protect can support you with Food Hygiene Rating inspections and re-inspections.

of consumers

judge premises based on hygiene stickers or certificates and general appearance.

of consumers

are concerned about food safety in restaurants, pubs, cafés
and takeaways.

of consumers

would not return to a food outlet with food hygiene issues if it was under the same management.

*Source: The Caterer

Our Approach

Leveraging extensive experience of dealing with local authorities and Environmental Health Officers, we can:

Guide you through the food hygiene rating process to achieve and maintain a rating of 5.
Support food hygiene rating appeals and revisit inspections.
Set up and manage Primary Authority partnerships for multi-site businesses across different local authorities.

Case study

Food Hygiene Inspection Re-Rating Support for a Seafood Restaurant

A seafront seafood restaurant had received a rating of 3 from the local Environmental Health Officer due to incomplete HACCP documentation for high-risk menu items such as carpaccio and terrines. The business aimed to invite the EHO for a revisit to regain their previous 5 rating and instill confidence in their food safety practices.

Our Strategy

1. Gap Analysis
We reviewed recipes and production processes for high-risk menu items to identify potential food safety risks. This informed the development of tailored HACCP plans and additional monitoring records specific to the site’s needs.

2. Systems Update
Bespoke HACCP plans and records were created in collaboration with the Head Chef and General Manager. After submission, the Environmental Health Officer praised the plans for their thoroughness, suggesting only minor changes.

3. Review and Implementation
The client implemented the approved HACCP plans with our ongoing support via phone and email. We provided continued guidance to ensure effective execution and confidence in day-to-day food safety management.

The Impact

We developed our bespoke HACCP plan in collaboration with the client’s management team, which ensured practicality and ownership. Our consultants provided implementation support for 12 weeks following the implementation of the HACCP plan, with regular meetings and check-ins.

Within 6 months of the approved HACCP plans being implemented, the client was inspected by their local authority Environmental Health Officer, who was pleased to see the improvement in food handling and staff awareness in terms of high-risk processes on site. The client was awarded the highest possible rating of 5 on this occasion.