After a food business inspection

Depending on the conditions of your food establishment at the time of inspection, you can expect a varied range of outcomes.

If an inspector finds problems

If an inspector finds problems with food and hygiene standards, they will act in a way that is proportionate to the seriousness of the problems. 

Minor contraventions will result in the inspector advising on how best to rectify the situation. More serious matters will be dealt with more formally, ranging from an improvement notice being served, to possible prosecution for very serious offences.

In very extreme cases (such as very dirty premises or a serious pest infestation), an inspector can order the closure of the business.

In such cases we must prove in court that there is a real risk to public health from the premises. In most cases we will help businesses comply with the regulations and trade successfully.

Improvement notices

If you receive an improvement notice, you must take immediate steps to make the recommended improvements within the specified time period.

If you do not comply, you may be prosecuted.

If you cannot comply within the time period, you should contact us immediately and let the inspector know of the progress that you are making to comply with the notice.

If you think the outcome is not fair

If you do not agree with the action taken by the inspector, you should first contact us.

In the first instance we will try to resolve the problem informally. If you are still not happy then you can ask for your complaint to be referred to the regulatory services manager who will carry out a further investigation.

If you are still not happy, your complaint will be escalated further.

If you think we are applying the law in a different way from other local authorities, you can seek advice through your trade association.

You have the right of appeal to a Magistrates’ Court against an improvement notice, or against our refusal to lift an Emergency Prohibition Order made earlier by the court.

A Magistrates’ Court must confirm the emergency closure of a business or the seizure of food.

If the magistrates decide premises have been shut without proper reason, or food has been wrongly seized or detained, you have a right to compensation.