What to expect from a food safety inspection

If you operate a food business in the UK, you are legally responsible for making sure that the food you sell is safe to eat. You must also ensure that labelling and presentation is not misleading to consumers. These food laws apply to most food businesses, including:

• caterers
• primary producers - such as farmers
• manufacturers
• distributors
• retailers

In Northern Ireland, local council environmental health officers are responsible for carrying out food safety inspections, determining your food hygiene rating and checking that your business complies with food hygiene laws. This includes checking food descriptions and labelling, and how you provide information about allergens to consumers.

This guide outlines your responsibilities for food safety. It details the food inspector's rights and powers and lists possible outcomes of a food inspection and the actions you can take.