Food inspector's rights and powers
Find out what action the food safety inspector can take when inspecting your food business.
Authorised officers from your local council will visit your premises to check that your business is complying with food law and that you are producing food that is safe to eat.
The frequency of inspection will depend on the level of risk, the type of business and its previous record. Some premises might be inspected at least every six months, others much less often.
Authorised officers usually do not make an appointment. They have the right to:
- enter and inspect premises
- take food samples
- examine working methods and management procedures
- look at records
When might a food inspection take place?
The inspection may take place in the following circumstances:
- when a new food business opens or starts trading
- routine programmed inspections based on risk
- inspections following a complaint or new information about the business
Authorised food safety officers must show identification when they arrive. They should always give you feedback on an inspection and you can ask them to explain any issues or actions they identify. The inspection must follow the framework agreement on local council food law enforcement as set out by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
It must also follow the Food Law Code of Practice, which states that inspectors should:
- offer advice if appropriate or requested
- encourage food business operators to adopt good practice
- discuss any corrective action that may be necessary, and the timescale for corrective action to take place
- inform you of any further action the inspector plans to take
Food inspectors should also distinguish between:
- actions recommended for the sake of good practice
- actions required to comply with legal requirements
During the visit, the food inspector might take samples and photographs of food. They may inspect your records or remove suspect foods. Following their visit, they might write to you informally asking you to put right any problems they found.
Where the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme applies, the findings from the inspection will be used to decide your food hygiene rating.