We give all food businesses in the BCP area (other than those considered to be very low risk) a food hygiene rating each time we inspect them, as part of a national scheme run by the Food Standards Agency and local authorities.

The rating is published on the Food Standard Agency website and the business is provided with a sticker to display it at the premises.

The ratings

Ratings go from ‘0’ to ‘5’. ‘0’ means that urgent improvement is necessary and ‘5’ means that very good hygiene standards were found. The rating is based on:

• how hygienically the food is handled
• the condition of the premises, including cleanliness
• how food safety is managed.

Promote your rating

A high rating is something you should be proud of and you should display it prominently. The Food Standards Agency website gives ideas on how you can make the most of your food hygiene rating.

Appealing a rating and requesting a revisit

Not all ratings are positive, and to make sure that the scheme is fair to businesses, it has some safeguards:

• an appeal within 21 days if the business does not agree with their rating
• a right to reply which allows businesses to feedback comments to be posted on the Food Standards Agency website
• an opportunity to request a revisit and rescore when improvements have been made

Full details of these food hygiene rating safeguards are on the Food Standards Agency website, including which forms which need to be completed.

Request revisit

There is a charge of £167 for a requested rescore visit. The visit will be carried out within three months of receipt of this payment.

Publishing the rating early

Business owner or managers of businesses in England and Wales can request that a rating is published before the end of the appeal period.This request must be made in writing to us and must include:

• your details, including contact information
• the name and address of the business
• the date of the inspection
• the rating given

We will review the request and will usually publish the rating early.

Contact us

Please email us food.safety@bcpcouncil.gov.uk about your food hygiene rating.