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Inspection and re-rating policy

All inspections are undertaken in accordance with the guides and codes of practice issued by the Food Standards Agency. The code can be read in full in the document Food Law Code of Practice (PDF document 470kb).

The code states:

4.1.6: Frequency of Inspection: Inspection Ratings-The inspection rating(s) of a food business should be assessed or reassessed at the conclusion of every primary inspection in accordance with Annex 5 (or any amendment thereto that may be notified to Food Authorities by the Agency).

Businesses subject to approval under 853/2004 are not included in the Inspection Rating Scheme and are dealt with separately.

Inspection ratings should not be re-assessed at secondary inspections.

Early inspection is allowed in special circumstances:

4.1.7: Early Inspection - Circumstances may arise that make it appropriate to bring forward a primary inspection. Such circumstances may include when the Food Authority:

• Receives a new registration application
• Receives a consumer complaint
• Receives a request to change registration details
• Becomes aware of any material change in the ownership, management, layout or nature of operation of a food business
• Receives a referral under the Home Authority Principle
• Receives a request or other information from the Agency
• Becomes aware of a possible outbreak of food borne infection
• Becomes aware that the business may be closed at the time of the due date because of seasonal closure

It is the policy of the London pilot scheme authorities to follow the above requirements of the code of practice. Re-rating will not therefore be carried out on request by a business. However if any of the criteria above apply, the authority may carry out an early inspection resulting in a re-rating. Businesses that are disappointed with their star rating may submit a right of reply to their local authority within 14 days of receiving their certificate.